Receive the Holy Spirit
Pentecost Sunday – Mass During the Day (A)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 20:19-23 – 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.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“…he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The Ascension is the last event recorded in the Gospels, and Pentecost takes place ten days after it. The Pentecost event isn’t included in the Gospels. It is recorded instead by Luke in the Book of Acts. So, for the Gospel reading at Mass the Church gives us a passage from after the Resurrection. Christ appears to his disciples, saying “Peace be with you,” and “He breathe(s) on them and (says) to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit…’” These two actions of Christ are closely connected with the Pentecost.
At the Resurrection, Jesus gives the apostles the Holy Spirit, but at the Pentecost He gives them the Holy Spirit’s gifts. This tells us something about the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. The Church says: “Confirmation completes Baptismal grace” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1285) In Baptism we receive the Holy Spirit—His presence. In Confirmation we receive the Holy Spirit’s gifts and power. Confirmation opens us to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work in us more fully. Look how courageously the apostles go out proclaiming the Good News after the Pentecost, their Confirmation. This courage isn’t theirs, really. Their power and authority and courage come from the Holy Spirit. The reason that the apostles and saints do amazing things isn’t because they are powerful, but because they are open to God’s power working through them. They take Baptism and Confirmation seriously. Do we?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above.(Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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