Adarsh Mattappally

Pentecost is a day celebrated by all Christians on the 50th day of the Resurrection of Jesus. After the Ascension of Jesus, the apostles were frightened and refused to leave their room out of fear of being treated harshly due to their association with Jesus. They prayed day and night until eventually, “there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind” and “tongues of fire parted and came to rest on each one of them” (Acts 2: 2-3). The room was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was rekindled in them, giving them the strength, wisdom, and ability to go out and preach the word of God.

What mystical element caused such a drastic change in their lives? It was simply the power of the Holy Spirit! From the moment the tongues of fire settled on each of them, they were no longer speaking on their own accord, but that of the Lord our God. Their souls were strengthened and transformed at that moment.

“There came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind” and “tongues of fire parted and came to rest on each one of them” (Acts 2: 2-3).

This event at Pentecost, which was promised to them by Jesus before His ascension, was of great significance to the Christian faith. Unfortunately, it is also one of the “underrated” celebrations in the church, since not many people understand its seriousness. With this blessing came the even bigger responsibility of creating the global Chrisitan community. Upon receiving the Holy Spirit,  the apostles were able to speak in tongues and were given the potential to go out and preach the Word of God. Without this occasion, St. Thomas would not have set off and spread Jesus’ teachings in India, and none of us would be Christians. Similarly, around the world, many would not have experienced the blessings of conversion. The Christian religion would have been nothing more than a small group of believers around the Mediterranean from the time of Jesus. In fact, they would be incapable of going around the world proclaiming the Good News.

As we prepare ourselves to celebrate such a crucial event of our faith, let’s remind ourselves of the power of the Holy Spirit. Opening up our own hearts, let’s pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom to discern and nourish it. Using this very blessing that gave the apostles courage and strength to fearlessly spread the Word and thus, create the expansive Christian community, we must, also, stay true to our mission as Catholics to carry out and continue the works of Jesus on Earth.