When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Acts of the Apostles - 2, 1-4
Pentecost means the glory of God's power and the power of God's glory.
When you strip it of everything else, Pentecost stands for power and life. Which is what came into our church when the Holy Spirit came down on the day of Pentecost.
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Joel - 3,1
Pentecost offers a chance to confess our failure to live by the Spirit and to ask the Lord to fill us afresh with His power.
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended with power upon the Apostles; thus began the mission of the Church in the world. Jesus himself prepared the Eleven for this mission, appearing to them on many occasions after his Resurrection. Prior to the Ascension into Heaven, he ordered them "not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father"; that is, he asked them to stay together to prepare themselves to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And they gathered in prayer with Mary in the Upper Room, awaiting the promised event.
Pope Benedikt - June 2006
When the Holy Spirit comes to Earth, the path to God is open for everyone. I hope that all paths are open for you, whatever path you're wishing for. Happy Pentecost!
Pentecost is the moment when a heart of stone is shattered and a heart of flesh takes its place.
