Pentecost Sunday

The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word meaning “fiftieth.” The feast is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday, which is why it always falls at the end of the Easter season. The event of Pentecost is described in Acts 2. The apostles were gathered in Jerusalem when a sound like a mighty wind filled the house, and “tongues as of fire” appeared and rested on each of them. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in different languages, proclaiming the mighty works of God to Jews from many nations who had gathered in the city.

Pentecost is important because it reveals the Holy Spirit’s mission in the life of the Church. Jesus did not leave his disciples to carry out the gospel by their own strength. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide, sanctify, strengthen, and unite them.

Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church.” I remember as a child celebrating this special day with my family. It was a day that included a special meal and a cake for dessert. We celebrated the Holy Spirit in a special way that day.

One of my favorite Pentecost hymns is Send Us Your Spirit by Dan Schutte

1. Send us your spirit O Lord. Evening enfolds us and holds us too near. Wake the morning light. Make our living bright. Shine on our darkness O Lord. 

 2. Hold us with mercy O Lord. Sorrow has spoken, has broken our hearts. Clothe us in your care. Be the life we bear. Feed us and fill us O Lord. 

3. Teach us your wisdom O Lord. Shadows have clouded, have crowded our sight. Give us hearts that see. Set our loving free. Hear us and help us O Lord.

4. Send us good summer O Lord. Winters have chilled us and stilled u too long. Give us love's own fire. Be our true desire. Send us yoru spirit O Lord. .

            © Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music, 1985.

May we see the Spirit among us in a new way today.