Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, May 24, 2026

Pentecost is the day that the apostles receive the great gift of the Holy Spirit. Ever since Easter Sunday, they have been trying to figure things out. They knew that Jesus had given them a vitally important job.  Yet, they were unsure about how to do it and were afraid that they might fail. During the Ascension, they stood staring at the sky as Jesus, and the life they had with Him, disappeared into Heaven. They wanted to cling to that past, but the “two men” reminded them that they had to let go so that they could move forward to perform the work that He asked them to do.Even though He told them that he would be with them “always,” they doubted that they would accomplish anything without Him physically by their side.

He also told them that He would send them an “advocate,” but they did not understand what that meant. Finally, on the day of Pentecost, the enormous power of the Holy Spirit eliminated all of their doubts and fears. Jesus caused the Holy Spirit to enter into them and transform them into men who were filled with courage, who could speak in tongues, and who could preach the Good News of Jesus and inspire people. Simply put, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they were on fire for the Lord!

If we believe in the Holy Spirit, then we believe that God is always with us and is always at work in our lives.  We are not left alone to fight the evil within us and around us.  Instead, through the Holy Spirit, the living God of heaven and earth, is with us. This is particularly true when we receive the Eucharist. In two very special ways, the Holy Spirit makes His presence known and transforms us through the Eucharist. First, the presence of Holy Spirit in each mass allows the priest to consecrate the bread and wine – to transform it into the Body and Blood of our Lord. Second, when we receive the Eucharist, the power of the Holy Spirit inspires us to become what we receive.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit set the disciples on fire so that they could start and grow the Church. Come Holy Spirit! Set our hearts on fire so that we may continue that mission.

Fr. Mike