Gospel Reflection 2019/2020

THE SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST

31 May 2020

[John 20: 19-23]

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day from Easter Sunday. On this day, we celebrate

(1) the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles,

and

(2) the birthday of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

The Church of Jesus Christ is ONE because there is only one Head (Jesus Christ) and one Body (the Church) [1 Co 12: 12-30].

The Church of Jesus Christ is HOLY because Jesus (the Groom) loved the Church (the Bride) and sacrificed Himself for her to make her holy [Ep 5: 25].

The Church of Jesus Christ is CATHOLIC because she is universal, professes the fullness of truth, and administers the totality of the means of salvation [Mt 28: 19-20].

The Church of Jesus Christ is APOSTOLIC because there is an uninterruptible succession tracing us back to the Apostles of Christ, and ultimately to Jesus Christ Himself [Rv 21: 14].

And within this Church of Jesus Christ, dwells the Holy Spirit, the soul of the Church, who continues to work in the Church, work through the Church and lead the Church to the complete truth [Jn 16: 13].

Let our fervent prayer be,

“Come, Holy Spirit, we need You."