Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections Pentecost Sunday May 15, 2016 In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1 st Reading: Acts 2,1-11  1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God." The focus is the descent of the Holy Spirit.

1 st Reading: Acts 2,1-11 Inside the room  1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Outside the room  5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God." Just a simple outline.

Textual Context of Acts 2,1-11 I. Introduction to the Beginning of the Church (1) A. The Lord Prepares the Disciples (1:1-11) 1. The Reaffirmation of the Promise (1:1-5) 2. The Re-orientation to the Program (1:6-8) 3. The Ascension and Predicted Return (1:9-11) B. The Lord Re-Establishes 12 Apostles (1:12-26) 1. The Apostles and Others Gathered in Jerusalem (1:12-14) 2. The Motion of Peter to Choose Another Apostle (1:15-26) a. Judas' apostatizing fulfilled Scripture (1:15- 20) b. The criteria for an apostolic replacement (1:21,22) c. The Method of choosing (1:23-26) II. The Church in Jerusalem (2-8:3) A. The Church is Born (2:1-11) 1. Pentecost a. The Coming of the Holy Spirit (2:1-4a) b. The Sign: Tongues (2:4b-11) c. The Reaction: Mixed (2:12-13) 2. Peter's Explanation in a Sermon (2:14-36) a. Pentecost: The fulfillment of Joel 2 (2:14-21) b. Pentecost: Based upon Christ's Work (2:22-36) 3. The Reaction to Peter's Sermon (2:37-41) a. People cut to the heart (2:37-40) b saved (2:41)

1 st Reading: Acts 2,1-11 Inside the Room  1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Outside the Room  5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God." Commentary  Pentecost =50 days after the resurrection  The reading is divided into two parts: 1 st part: what happens inside the room 2 nd part: what happens outside the room  Inside the room are the apostles. The Holy Spirit comes in the form of a noise (sound) and tongues of fire.  Result: The apostles speak in different languages (glossolalia)  Outside the room are devout Jews from everywhere. They gather together because of the sound.  Their reaction: They were confused, astounded, amazed (they heard them speaking in his own language). They asked the question: How come these Galileans speak our own language?  The people mentioned represent the international community at that time. They can be traced in the map in the early Church.

Reflections on the 1 st reading  We Christians have long received the Holy Spirit when we were baptized and confirmed.  It is not correct to say that we receive the Holy Spirit only when we become a member of a charismatic group.  We, Christians, should make the Holy Spirit work in us.  The Holy Spirit is working in us when we are able to communicate clearly. when we are able to attract people to listen to us, like, during the Pentecost.

.Resp Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! 24 How manifold are your works, O LORD! the earth is full of your creatures; 29 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; May the LORD be glad in his works! 30 Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the LORD. 31 If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. 34 When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.

.Resp Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! 24 How manifold are your works, O LORD! the earth is full of your creatures; 29 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD be glad in his works! 30 Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the LORD. 31 If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. 34 When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Commentary  The psalm is classified as hymn of praise.  In v.1, the psalmist exhorts himself to bless the Lord (to bless means to thank, to give praise, to speak well about him).  In v.24, the psalmist recognizes the enormity of God’s accomplishments.  In v.29, the psalmist wishes well the Lord.  In v.30, the psalmist realizes the importance of pleasing the Lord.  V.31 reminds of man’s mortality.  V.34 recalls the creation of man from dust and God’s breath (spirit) to make alive.  God’s spirit also renews everything.

Reflections on the Psalm  We must recognize the working of the Holy Spirit in us.  It is the one who gives us life.  It renews/refreshes us who feel old, antiquated, jurassic and irrelevant.  No one is old in the eyes of God when the Spirit breathes on him.  We must welcome the Spirit of God in our lives.  It makes us new (may kilig) and exciting.

2 nd Reading: 1 Cor 12,3b-7,12-13  3 Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, "Jesus be accursed." And no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.  12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. The focus is on the one Spirit.

2 nd Reading: 1 Cor 12,3b-7,12-13 Utterance by the Holy Spirit  3 Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, "Jesus be accursed." And no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the holy Spirit. Variety of spiritual gifts  4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. Unity / Integration  12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. A simple outline

Textual Context of 1 Cor 12,3b-7,12-13 Outline by Boring, ,1—14,40 Concerning Spiritual Gifts  12,1-11One Spirit, many gifts  12,12-30 One Spirit, many members  12,31—13,13 The still more excellent way  14,1-40 Prophecy and Tongues

(Ellwell and Yarbrough)

2 nd reading : 1 Cor 12, Utterance by the Holy Spirit  3 Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, "Jesus be accursed." And no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the holy Spirit. Commentary  V.3 indicates that if we are possessed by the spirit of the Lord (Holy Spirit), it is impossible for us to curse Jesus.  At the same time, we cannot say, “Jesus is Lord,” if we are not animated by the Spirit.  The presence of the Spirit in us determines the quality of prayer we utter to Jesus.

2 nd reading : 1 Cor 12, Variety of spiritual gifts  4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. In vv.4-6, observe:  Different gifts, same Spirit (v.4)  Different service, same Lord (v.5)  Different workings, same God (v.6)  V.7 tells us of the reason why the Spirit is busy with us: For some benefit

2 nd reading: 1 Cor 12, Unity / Integration  12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.  V.12 talks about the unity of Christians.  We, Christians, are members of the same body, the body of Christ.  There is only one Christ. Therefore, there should also be one body.  V.13 indicates that we have one / common baptism.  We may come from different races, social and economic levels, but we are baptized in the same Spirit, we drink of one and the same Spirit.

Reflections on the 2 nd reading  God has given us gifts (talents) according to our capacity.  We must not complain or get jealous, if other people are more brilliant or better than we.  Our abilities and capacities should serve the common good.  The variety of gifts (charisms) must be utilized in coordination with the other gifts.  We create division if we misuse our God-given talents, like competing with other members of the community or despising others.

Gospel reading: John 20,19-23  19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." We focus on the holy Spirit, although the focus of the text is Jesus’ appearance.

Gospel reading: John 20,19-23 Setting: Sunday, locked doors, greetings of peace  19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."  20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Feelings of joy  The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Greetings of peace and the Holy Spirit  21 (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."  22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." No feelings of joy (bakit kaya?) The simple outline!

Gospel reading: John 20,19-23 Setting: Sunday, locked doors, greetings of peace  19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."  20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Feelings of joy  The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Commentary  The text describes Jesus’ appearance to the apostles after his resurrection.  It also describes the disposition of the apostles after the death of Jesus and his appearance.  V.19 provides the setting of the story of the appearance of Jesus:  Date: Sunday  Venue: In a room, doors locked  Greetings: Peace be with you.  In v.20, Jesus quickly shows his hands and side.  They rejoice at his sight, not just at the sight of his wounds.

Gospel reading: John 20,19-23 Greetings of peace and the Holy Spirit  21 (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."  22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." No more feelings of joy  In v.21, Jesus repeats his greetings. Then he adds, “I send you.”  In v.22, following the pattern in v.20 (When he had said this), Jesus breathes on them the Holy Spirit.  V.23 gives the reason for sending them, for giving them the Holy Spirit: forgiveness of sins.  The text does not describe their feelings. Ay!! Quite intriguing!

Reflections on the gospel reading  Like the apostles, we also have received the Holy Spirit.  We receive the Holy Spirit with a purpose.  With the power of the Holy Spirit, we need to preach and to forgive our brethren.  We make the presence of the Holy Spirit meaningless in our lives, when we are quiet about the gospel and when we do not do anything for Christ and for the Church.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm  The first reading describes the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. (public, people around noticed it.)  The psalm recognizes the work of the Spirit in creation and renewal.  The second reading reiterates that the gifts come from the same Spirit. We have no right to be divided.  The gospel reading talks about Jesus’ breathing the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. (private)

How to develop your homily / sharing  What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives?  Do we possess this Spirit?  Do other spirits possess us?  This Pentecost Sunday should remind us of the importance of the Holy Spirit.  It is from the Holy Spirit that we draw inspiration.

 In the first reading, the Holy Spirit makes us speak of the wonderful deeds of God.  It is through the Holy Spirit that we make ourselves understood by other people.  With the Holy Spirit, we can communicate to other cultures, religions and races.  The Holy Spirit makes other people wonder with our spirit- filled (inspiring) behavior.  If you inspire other people to praise God, you are possessed by the Holy Spirit.

 The second reading teaches us that we owe our gifts and talents to the Holy Spirit.  We should use them for the good of the community (common good).  Though we have varied gifts, we should be united.  Never should our talents be sources of division in our communities.  Unity does not mean having the same talents and doing the same things with same quality or quantity.  The variety of gifts must stand at the disposal of the various needs of the Church.  If other people do not see anything good (talent) in you, because you are hiding it or have no drive to perform, you are not making the Holy Spirit work in you.

 In the gospel reading, the Holy Spirit is sent to us to assist us in our mission.  Our mission is to preach the Word of God and to impart forgiveness.  We cannot be effective missionaries if we do not possess the Holy Spirit.  Christians should show that they possess the Holy Spirit by their reverent Christian behavior.  Can you speak of the gospel from your heart, without feeling awkward?  Can you forgive your brothers and sisters who have offended you? Show mercy.

 In the Church, there are many charismatic groups.  Their mission is to help renew the Church.  They have drawn wayward Catholics back to the fold.  But some charismatic groups put themselves in opposition to the “institutional Church.”  Without proper guidance, they can go into different directions and disintegrate later.  Not only talents (charisma) can be the source of their own division, but also money and power.  When they talk more about money and their organizational problems, they are courting disaster and soon they will lose their relevance in the Church.

 In the Church, many organizations and individuals need to be exorcized, because another kind of spirit (evil spirit, spirit of individualism, rivalry, gossiping, slandering, and cynism) takes hold of them.  They do not follow their own rules (refusal to pay their dues, refusal to take responsibility, absentee, forever a counselee, refusal to recognize their leaders).  You can see in their long and unhappy faces, that nothing good is happening to them.  They are a pain in the neck of the community, of the priests and bishops.

 Many of the so-called Catholic charismatics do not go to confession. They are influenced by the born-again Christians.  They don’t receive holy communion any more and other sacraments.  They do not help renew the Church, but stifle the growth of their hapless members.

 The eucharist is a Spirit-filled celebration.  The participation in the eucharist is our response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  In the mass, we unite ourselves with one another and with Christ.  In the eucharist, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, enlighten us, enliven us in our mission.

Our Context of Sin and Grace  “Monopoly” of the Spirit  Pretending to possess the Spirit  Divisive  Sowing intrigues  Jealousy  Refusal to re-create and to renew, to begin again  Refusal to attend ongoing formations  Charlatan  Renewal groups and movements  Spiritual exercises  Renewal programs  Ongoing formations  Updated, formed and high quality resource persons  Good communications  United with Christ in his Word and Sacrament  Living with joy

Suggested Songs  Veni, Creator Spiritus  The Spirit is a-Movin’  The Spirit of God  Come Holy Ghost  Come Holy Spirit