For a related activity, see At Pentecost.

Solemnity of Pentecost - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Acts 2:1-11

Luke alone presents the coming of the Holy Spirit as a dramatic event taking place on the Jewish feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Passover. Luke probably telescopes into one powerful story what actually took place in several events. The strong wind in this drama suggests a new and significantly divine saving action, perhaps recalling the "mighty wind" of God's Spirit over the waters at creation. The tongues of fire call to mind the fire symbolizing God's presence on Mount Sinai as God initiates a covenant with the Israelites. The parting of the tongues of fire so that a fiery tongue rests above each disciple may suggest that the same Spirit fills each individual believer. Alive with the Holy Spirit, the previously fearful disciples bravely begin to proclaim God's great saving deeds through Jesus. As their message is understood in many languages, the disciples are empowered not only to proclaim the Good News but also to effectively extend Jesus' mission to the whole world.

READING II
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Paul is writing to the Church at Corinth, which is experiencing tension, especially about the gift of speaking in tongues. Those who have this gift are claiming that they alone have truly been filled with the Holy Spirit. So Paul formulates several rules of discernment about the use of this gift. Paul emphasizes that the gifts of the Spirit are meant for the common good. He describes the Church as the Body of Christ whose members have need for one another and who drink of the same Spirit that unites them.

GOSPEL
John 20:19-23

In John's account, the Holy Spirit comes to the disciples in an upper room on the evening of the Resurrection. Jesus greets the disciples with the word, Shalom, or Peace. Reminiscent of the Creator breathing life into Adam, Jesus breathes on his disciples, bestowing on them the Holy Spirit. The risen Christ sends them forth to continue his mission of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Do we as individuals recognize our own individual gifts from the Spirit? How does our Church community benefit from these gifts?

At Mass you greet others saying "Peace be with you," or "May the peace of Christ be with you." Do you really think about what you are saying? You are wishing to others that they be at peace. Think about this the next time that you offer someone Christ's peace. Do it with sincerity.

May 11 - St. Francis di Girolamo
St. Francis di Girolamo was a Jesuit priest from Italy who spent most of his life working as a rural missionary in the countryside near Naples. His sermons were short and vigorous, and he touched many hearts.

May 12 - SS. Nereus and Achilleus
Four Christian converts were martyred during the first century for their refusal to deny their Christianity. Nereus and Achilleus were brothers who served in the Roman army. Domitilla was a widow and Pancratius a teenager when they also died for their newly accepted Christianity.

May 13 - Our Lady of Fatima
Between May 13 and October 13, 1917 Our Lady appeared to three children in the village of Fatima. Mary implored the children to encourage others to pray the rosary for peace. Many pilgrims continue to visit Fatima today seeking cures from the waters that sprang up when Our Lady had appeared.

May 13 - St.. Julian of Norwich
Julian was born in Norwich, England in the fourteenth century. She was known as an anchoress. Julian lived alone near a church and spent most of her adult life in prayer and contemplation. People often came to her for spiritual advice. Many of her spiritual writings were published and are still read today.

May 14 - St. Matthias
Today is the feast of St. Matthias. He was chosen to fill the place among the Twelve Apostles left by Judas, after the death of Jesus. Matthias preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, Africa.

May 15 - St. Isidore
St. Isidore was a Spanish farmer of the 12th century, who spent all his life working for the same employer. Isidore and his wife, who is also honored as Santa Maria de la Cabeza, worked hard together and were kind to their neighbors. They teach us about reverence for work.

May 16 - St. Brendan the Voyager
St. Brendan the Voyager was a sixth-century monk from Kerry, Ireland. There is much folklore about Brendan, partly due to a widespread 10th century tale called Brendan's Voyage, which describes his supposed trip to the Canary Islands. We do know that he visited England and western Scotland.

May 17 - St. Paschal Baylon
St. Paschal Baylon was a Spanish lay brother in the Franciscan order during the Protestant Reformation. Lay brothers were servants to the friars. St. Paschal was humble, obedient, and fervent in his duties. He cared for the poor and took food from the monastary garden to feed them. He also had a life-long devotion to the Eucharist.

Fr. Mychal Judge
Fr. Mychal Judge was born this day in 1933. He was a Franciscan priest in New York City. He also served as a chaplain to firefighters. Fr. Judge was fatally injured while ministering to a firefighter during the collapse of the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001. He was identified as the first person killed on that day.

Mother's Day
The second Sunday of May has been observed as Mother's Day since 1907. As Catholics, we model motherhood after Mary, the Mother of Jesus. On this day, we honor our own mothers, Mary, and other women who have cared for us in special ways.