PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

The Presentation of the Lord concludes the

celebration of the Nativity and with the offerings of

the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point toward

Easter. 2 falls on a Sunday and thus takes precedence. There are two ways of

celebrating the ceremony, either the Procession,

which begins at a 'gathering place' outside

the church, or the Solemn Entrance, celebrated

within the church."— From Ceremonies of the

Liturgical Year

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

What does it mean for the Church, for us, today to be disciples of Jesus the

Lamb of God? It means putting innocence in the place of malice, love

in the place of force, humility in the place of pride, service in the place of

prestige. It is good work! We Christians must do this: put innocence in the place of malice, love in the place of force, humility in the place of pride,

service in the place of prestige. Being disciples of the Lamb means that we must not live like a “city under siege,”

but like a city on a hill, open, welcoming, solidary. It means not

having an attitude of closedness, but proposing the Gospel to everyone,

testifying with our life that following Jesus makes us more free and more

joyful. — Pope Francis Angelus Address January

19, 2014

St. Patrick Church3716 Garden AvenueMiami Beach, FL 33140Tel: 305-531-1124

MT 28:16-20The Gospel is from St. John 14:15-21. In this discourse at the Last Supper, which was His last will and testament,

our divine Lord promised His Church, through the Apostles, that the Holy Spirit would be with it until the end of time. The Spirit of truth will be directing it and

effectively aiding it to preserve the faith, the doctrine, and the morals which Christ taught His Apostles. He and the

Father sent the Holy Spirit to remain with His Church as its infallible guide until the last man has entered heaven.

While we are faithful members of the Church, we have nothing to fear; we are on the sure road to heaven, to

enjoy eternal happiness with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit whom we shall thank and glorify forever.

May 31, 2020

P E N T E C O S T S U N D A Y

EPH 1:17-23The second reading is from the first letter of Peter 3:15-18 and

indicates that baptism initiates a person to imitation of the death

and resurrection of Jesus and that the destiny of all believers is to live according to the realm of the Spirit.

ACTS 1:1-11The first reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8, 14-17. In this reading Peter and

John are sent from Jerusalem to Samaria to be ministers of the coming of the Spirit to the new

converts in that town.

Parish Office HoursM-F 8:30 A.M.-7:00 P.M.Sat & Sun. 8:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M.

THE LOVE OF GOD HAS BEEN POURED INTO OUR HEARTS!

Sunday Mass ScheduleEnglishSaturday Vigil 5:00 P.M.Sunday 8:00 A.M.

9:30 A.M. 11:00 A.M.

SpanishDomingo 12:30 P.M.

7:00 P.M.

Daily Mass ScheduleEnglishMon.-Sat. 8:00 A.M.SpanishMartes y Jueves 7:00 P.M.

ConfessionSaturday 4:00 - 5:00 P.M.

Sunday 30 minutes before Mass (Except Mass at 8:00 A.M.)

Any time by appointment or walk-in during office hours.

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

(1 Corinthians 12:7)

PENTECOSTAfter Jesus had ascended to heaven from Mt. Olivet, the apostles and

disciples returned to the Holy City. About a hundred and twenty persons were assembled there. They chose Matthias as an apostle in place of the

unhappy Judas; they prayed and waited for the Paraclete. Ten days had passed, it was Sunday, the seventh Sunday after the

resurrection. At about nine o'clock in the morning, as they were together praying fervently, the Holy Spirit descended upon them.

The descent upon the apostles was internal and invisible in nature although accompanied by certain visible phenomena. There came a mighty roar, like the onrush of a violent wind. It came suddenly, from

heaven; but unlike storms that strike a structure from without, this one penetrated and filled the room where the disciples were gathered. Therefore it was not a natural wind, it was a miracle peculiar to the

occasion. A second visible sign consisted in tongues of fire that descended upon each one present. These fiery tongues gave visible

evidence that the Holy Spirit had descended upon them.

Formed.org GratisAccede a suscripción gratuita

La Arquidiócesis de Miami y el Instituto Agustín se han asociado

para brindar a todos en la Arquidiócesis una suscripción

gratuita de 40 días a Formed.org.Para acceder a su suscripción

gratuita, visiteleaders.formed.org/miami/

Cuando se le pida que enumere su diócesis o parroquia, escriba

"Arquidiócesis de Miami".

Free Formed.orgAccess free subscription

The Archdiocese of Miami and The Augustine Institute have partnered

to bring everyone in the Archdiocese a free 40-day

subscription to Formed.org.To access your free subscription

please visit leaders.formed.org/miami/

When asked to list your diocese or parish, type "Archdiocese of

Miami."

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

MEN’S EMMAUS RETREAT

March 6-8, 2020

Every Thursday from 8:45 AM To 6:45 PM join us at

the Chapel to adore the Lord Jesus truly and substantially

present in the Eucharist.

Our Grief Group begins

meeting again on Tuesday,

January 7th

Prayer RequestOracion EspecialEvent Oct 13Rosary Coast to Coast

How to Build a Culture of Life

Como Edificar una Cultura de Vida

If you worship regularly at our parish, you are considered a parishioner. We prefer that parishioners

Grief GroupMINISTRY

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of FUN, FOOD, and GAMES!Saturday, October 19, 2019 / 2:00-6:00PM

Join us as we pray the Rosary on Miami Beach, Sunday, October 13th on 53rd Street on the beach, 5:30PM, together with our entire St. Patrick Family.

P E N T E C O S T S U N D A Y

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on

pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it

with pools. (Psalm 84:5-6)

May 31, 2020

¡Felices los que en ti encuentran ayuda, los que desean peregrinar hasta tu monte! Cuando pasen por el valle de

las Lágrimas lo convertirán en manantial, y aun la lluvia lo llenará de

bendiciones (Salmo 84:5-6)

Intenciones de MisaThe custom of requesting a priest to offer the Mass for

a specific intention, even when one cannot bephysically present at the Mass, is a longstanding

tradition in the Church.This is because the Church considers the Mass as thegreatest possible prayer of intercession insofar as it isthe perfect offering of Christ to the Father by making

present the paschal mystery of his death andresurrection.

You may request a Mass Intention by visiting or calling the Parish Office. Mass Intentions are

posted in the Parish Bulletin, and on our website:https://stpatrickmiamibeach.com/church/mass-

intentions/

Morning Prayer and Adoration

Monday-Friday

WAY OF THE CROSSFridays

During Lent we invite you to

join us for morning prayer at 7

AM Monday through Friday

with adoration of the Blessed

Sacrament until the beginning

of Mass at 8 AM.

Durante la Cuaresma te

invitamos a unirte a nosotros

para la oración de la mañana a

las 7 a.m. de lunes a viernes

con adoración del Santísimo

Sacramento hasta el comienzo

de la misa a las 8 a.m.

Oración y AdoraciónLunes-Viernes

VIA CRUCISViernes

Join us every Friday of Lent

at 7 PM for a bilingual Way

of the Cross.

Únase a nosotros todos los

viernes de Cuaresma a las 7

PM para un Vía Crucis

Mass BroadcastLivestreaming

We will continue to celebrate Mass according to our regular schedule. They are streamed from 8 AM to

8 PM live on-line on this webpagestpatrickmiamibeach.com/church/

mass-broadcast/

Transmitir MisaEn vivo

Continuaremos celebrando misa de acuerdo a nuestro horario regular. Se

transmiten de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m. en vivo en línea en esta página web

stpatrickmiamibeach.com/church/mass-broadcast/

ConfessionDuring the Pandemic

The office is open. Priests are available for Confession by

appointment.

ConfesiónDurante la pandemia

La oficina esta abierta. Los sacerdotes están disponibles para la

confesión con cita previa.

Enrichment Day 2020Archdiocese of Miami

Enrichment Day 2020 will take place June 6 from 8 am to 12:45 pm

at SEPI (Southeast PastoralInstitute), 7700 SW 56 Street,

Miami. The theme is Mariology, with a focus on the role of Mary, Mother of God and the Church in our liturgy. All current students, graduates and anyone interested in ongoing formation are invited

to attend this morning of faith enrichment.

Space is limited. Register at www.miamiarch.org/

El Día de Enriquecimiento 2020Arquidiócesis de Miami

El Día de Enriquecimiento 2020 tendrá lugar el 6 de junio de 8 am a

12:45 pm en SEPI (Pastoral del Sureste Instituto), 7700 SW 56

Street, Miami. El tema es Mariología, con un enfoque en el papel de María, Madre de Dios y la Iglesia en nuestra

liturgia. Todos los estudiantes actuales, graduados y cualquier

persona interesada en la formación continua están invitados a asistir

esta mañana de enriquecimiento de fe. El espacio es limitado. Regístrese

en www.miamiarch.org/

Mujeres Llena de Gracias

Descubriendo Nuestra Mision

Feb 18 – Abril 14

Nueve (9) 5

Bell Restoration Project

The bells in the tower are in need of

heavy maintenance. We have signed a

contract with the vendor who installed

them in the 1920s. The cost to replace

the mechanism and refurbish the bells

is in excess of $85,000. We are

requesting donations to defray the

expenses. If you are moved to help with

this project, please call the parish office

or send an earmarked contribution.

BOOK CLUBSt. Peter Canisius

We are reading a biography of

St. Peter Canisius. Our next meeting

will be on Thursday,

January 16 at 7:30 PM in the

rectory.

Christmas Toy Drive

Help make hearts

bright.

Donations needed:

Unwrapped, non-violent

ó

Our Blessed Mother awaits!

Book ClubDeath with Interruptions

We are reading Death with Interruptions

by José Saramago. Our next meeting will be on

Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 PM in the rectory.

AUTISM 19:14“Let the children come to

me”Autism 19:14 is a

catechetical program for children with Autism, as

a response to the Lord Jesus’ statement in

Matthew 19;14: Let the children come to me.

If you know of an Autistic child who is in need of the Sacraments

of initiation, please contact the parish office.

SACRAMENTSCATECHETICAL PROGRAM

Request for Prayers/Solicitud de Oraciones

Check out our “Mass Broadcast” page on our website

www.stpatrickmiamibeach.com during 11:00 am and 12:30 pm Sunday Masses to watch live

video.

Visite nuestra página de sitio web www.stpatrickmiamibeach.com durante las Misas de 11:00 am y 12:30 pm los domingos para ver

transmision en vivo.

LEARN TO PRAY

THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS

During his Apostolic Visit to Mexico, Pope Francis told the Jesuits to pray

for the canonization of Blessed Miguel Pro, a Mexican Jesuit who

was martyred in the early 20th century. Please pray that the Lord will grant a miracle through the

intercession of Father Pro.

Durante su visita apostólica a México, el papa Francisco les dijo a

los jesuitas que rezaran por la canonización del beato Miguel Pro,

un jesuita mexicano que fue martirizado a principios del siglo XX. Oremos para que el Señor otorgue un milagro a través de la intercesión del

Padre Pro.

Contact 305-318-3720 for

more information.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE MEN’S EMMAUS

RETREATMarch 6-8, 2020

What is an Emmaus Retreat for

Men? It is a spiritual retreat put

on by the men of St. Patrick

Catholic Church allowing you

time for spiritual growth.

FOR APPLICATION AND MORE

INFORMATION

stpatrickmiamibeach.com/

church/

The St. Joseph Parish Don and Mary Anne Shula

Scholarship awards a $2500 annual scholarship for up to

4 years of Catholic High School. Deadline is March 6th to

the St. Joseph Parish Office.

La beca St. Joseph Parish Don y Mary Anne Shula otorga

una beca anual de $ 2500 por hasta 4 años de escuela

secundaria católica. La fecha límite es el 6 de marzo para

la Oficina Parroquial de San José.

Thank you for your participation in and support of the

annual Archbishop’s Charity and Development Drive

(ABCD). If you have made a pledge, thank you for your

continued generosity to fulfill that pledge. If you have yet to

make a gift, please consider making a gift to the ABCD today!

Through your generous support, we serve hundreds of

thousands of individuals and families in our Archdiocese

through outreach, formation, evangelization and worship.

Thank you for mirroring the love of Christ through your

generosity! www.isupportabcd.org

Gracias por su participación y apoyo en la Campaña Anual de

Caridad y Desarrollo del Arzobispo (ABCD). Si ha hecho una

promesa, gracias por su generosidad continua para cumplir

esa promesa. Si todavía tiene que hacer un regalo, ¡considere

hacer un regalo al ABCD hoy! A través de su generoso apoyo,

servimos a cientos de miles de individuos y familias en

nuestra Arquidiócesis a través del alcance, la formación, la

evangelización y la adoración. ¡Gracias por reflejar el amor de

Cristo a través de tu generosidad! www.isupportabcd.org

ABCD: CAMBIANDO LA VIDA DE LAS PERSONAS PARA MEJOR

2020 Campaña

ABCD: CHANGING PEOPLE'S LIVES FOR THE BETTER

2020 Campaign

POPE FRANCIS COMPOSES A PRAYER TO OUR LADY, HEALTH OF THE SICK, TO IMPLORE HER PROTECTION DURING THE COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC.

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain,with steadfast faith.You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.We are certain that you will provide, so that,as you did at Cana of Galilee,joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.Help us, Mother of Divine Love,to conform ourselves to the Father’s willand to do what Jesus tells us:He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

EL PAPA FRANCISCO COMPONE UNA ORACIÓN A NUESTRA SEÑORA, SALUD DE LOS ENFERMOS, PARA IMPLEMENTAR SU PROTECCIÓN DURANTE LA EPIDEMIA DE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19.

Oh María,tú resplandeces siempre en nuestro caminocomo signo de salvación y de esperanza.Confiamos en ti, salud de los enfermos,que junto a la cruz te asociaste al dolor de Jesús,manteniendo firme tu fe.Tú, salvación del pueblo romano,sabes lo que necesitamosy estamos seguros de que proveerás,para que, como en Caná de Galilea,pueda volver la alegría y la fiestadespués de este momento de prueba.Ayúdanos, Madre del Divino Amor,a conformarnos a la voluntad del Padrey a hacer lo que nos diga Jesús,que ha tomado sobre sí nuestros sufrimientosy ha asumido nuestras aflicciones,para llevarnos, a través de la cruz,a la alegría de la resurrección. Amén.

Bajo tu amparo nos acogemos, Santa Madre de Dios.No deseches las oraciones que te dirigimos en nuestras necesidades,antes bien, líbranos de todo peligro, oh Virgen gloriosa y bendita.

Act of Spiritual CommunionSpiritual Comunion Prayer

Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament. The

most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot

attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental

Communion and help us avoid sin.My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the

Most Holy Sacrament.I love you above all things and I desire to receive

you in my soul.Since I cannot at this moment receive you

sacramentally,Come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already thereAnd unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you.Amen.

Acto de comunión espiritualOración para hacer una comunión espiritual

Cuando no sea posible por una u otra razón recibir a Cristo en forma sacramental, o en

cualquier momento en que uno desee ardientemente recibir a Jesús, se le puede recibir

espiritualmente, pronunciando la siguiente fórmula con fervor, demostrándole a Jesús el

deseo sincero de estar con Él.Creo Señor mío que éstas realmente presente en

el Santísimo Sacramento del altar.Te amo sobre todas las cosas y deseo

ardientemente recibirte dentro de mi alma; pero, no pudiendo hacerlo ahora sacramentalmente, ven al menos

espiritualmente a mi corazón.Y como si te hubiese recibido, me abrazo y me uno todo a Ti; Oh Señor, no permitas que me

separe de Ti.Amen.

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mother of the Church (June 1)The Congregation for Divine

Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments inscribed the

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church in the

General Roman Calendar to be observed on the Monday after

Pentecost, taking precedence over an obligatory Memorial that

coincides with it.

O happy Virgin, you gave birth to the Lord;

O blessed mother of the Church,you warm our hearts with the Spirit

of your Son Jesus Christ.

June 1st is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the

Church!The Marian title of “Mother of the Church,” was given to the Blessed Mother by Bl. Pope Paul VI at the

Second Vatican Council and today’s memorial was decreed by Pope

Francis in 2018.

Memorial de la Bendita Virgen María

Madre de la Iglesia (1 de junio)La Congregación para el Culto

Divino y la Disciplina de los Sacramentos inscribió el Memorial

de la Santísima Virgen María, Madre de la Iglesia en el Calendario General Romano que se observará

el lunes después de Pentecostés, teniendo prioridad sobre un

Memorial obligatorio que coincida con él.

¡Oh, dichosa Virgen, que diste a luz al Señor,

oh, dichosa Madre de la Iglesia,que avivas en nosotros el Espíritu de

tu Hijo Jesucristo!

¡Junio 1o es el Memorial de la Santísima Virgen María, Madre de

la Iglesia!El título mariano de “Madre de la

Iglesia,” se lo dio a la Santísima Madre el beato papa Pablo VI

durante el Concilio Vaticano II y el memorial de hoy fue decretado por

el papa Francisco en el 2018.

PRAYERRESOURCE

Pentecost Sequence: Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Come, Holy Spirit, come!And from your celestial home

Shed a ray of light divine!

Come, Father of the poor!Come, source of all our store!

Come, within our bosoms shine.

You, of comforters the best;You, the soul’s most welcome guest;

Sweet refreshment here below;

In our labor, rest most sweet;Grateful coolness in the heat;Solace in the midst of woe.

O most blessed Light divine,Shine within these hearts of yours,

And our inmost being fill!

Where you are not, we have naught,Nothing good in deed or thought,

Nothing free from taint of ill.

Heal our wounds, our strength renew;On our dryness pour your dew;Wash the stains of guilt away:

Bend the stubborn heart and will;Melt the frozen, warm the chill;Guide the steps that go astray.

On the faithful, who adoreAnd confess you, evermore

In your sevenfold gift descend;

Give them virtue’s sure reward;Give them your salvation, Lord;

Give them joys that never end. Amen.Alleluia.

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Image: Pentecost, Christoforo Menavola, Yale University Gallery of ArtUSCCB

Pentecostés Sequencia

Ven, Dios Espíritu Santo,y envíanos desde el cielotu luz, para iluminarnos.

Ven ya, padre de los pobres, luz que penetra en las almas,

dador de todos los dones.

Fuente de todo consuelo, amable huésped de alma, paz en las horas de duelo.

Eres pausa en al trabajo; brisa, en un clima de fuego;

consuelo, en medio del llanto.

Ven, luz santificadora, y entra hasta el fondo del alma

de todos los que te adoran.

Sin tu inspiración divina los hombres nada

podemos y el pecado nos domina.

Lava nuestras inmundicias, fecunda nuestras desiertos

y cura nuestras heridas.

Doblega nuestra soberbia, calienta nuestras frialdad, endereza nuestras sendas.

Concede a aquellos que ponen en ti su fe y su confianza tus siete sagrados dones.

Danos virtudes y méritos, danos una buena muerte y contigo el gozo eterno.

Los textos de la Sagrada Escritura utilizados en esta obra han sido tomados de los Leccionarios I, II y III, propiedad de la Comisión Episcopal de Pastoral Litúrgica de la Conferencia Episcopal Mexicana, copyright © 1987, quinta edición de septiembre de 2004. Utilizados con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados.

Image: Pentecost, Christoforo Menavola, Yale University Gallery of ArtUSCCB

RECURSO DE ORACIÓN

WEDDINGSMarch 7, 2020

Igor Vasiljevic & Frances PastuszkaNicholas Herrera & Nicole Jocelyn-Holt

Resources for Catholics at Home During COVID-19As Catholics begin to feel the effects of remaining at home due to the coronavirus www.usccb.org/coronavirus has a list of websites for Mass, prayers, and daily reflections to help us all during this trying time. Please note, this list will be updated as more resources become available.

Readings for the WeekMonday: Gn 3:9-15, 20/Jn 19:25-34Tuesday: 2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18/Mk 12:13-17Wednesday: 2 Tm 1:1-3, 6-12/Mk 12:18-27Thursday: 2 Tm 2:8-15/Mk 12:28-34Friday: 2 Tm 3:10-17/Mk 12:35-37Saturday: 2 Tm 4:1-8/Mk 12:38-44Next Sunday: Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9/2 Cor 13:11-13

/Jn 3:16-18

Mass Intentions

Ã

June 6, 2020 & June 7, 2020MASS CELEBRANT5:00 P.M. Fr. David Russell8:00 A.M. Fr. Alberto Petroff9:30 A.M. Fr. David Russell11:00 A.M. Fr. Roberto Cid12:30 P.M. Fr. Alberto Petroff7:00 P.M. Fr. Roberto Cid

Ã

Ã

The Holy Spirit gave the disciples the strength to fulfill their commission to spread the Good News of Jesus. The Solemnity of Pentecost marks the

end of the Easter season.

El Espíritu Santo les dio a los discípulos la fortaleza para cumplir con su misión de difundir la Buena Nueva de Jesús. La Solemnidad de

Pentecostés marca el cierre del tiempo de la Pascua.

Saturday, May 30, 20208:00 a.m. Jesus Eduardo Alfonso+5:00 p.m. Roberto Francisco Cid Burbano+

Sunday, May 31, 2020Pentecost Sunday8:00 a.m. Eusebio Lopez+9:30 a.m. Ana Margarita Moro+11:00 a.m. Romy & wilfredo Navarro+12:30 p.m. Rosa I. Paez de Barrero+,

Raquel Barrero+, & Anita Paez+7:00 p.m. Luis Gustavo Suescun Cuevas+

Monday, June 1, 20208:00 a.m. Nello Ventura+

Tuesday, June 2, 20208:00 a.m. Jennie Ventura+7:00 p.m. Margarita Ocampo Ramirez+

Wednesday, June 3, 20208:00 a.m. Lourdes Mas+

Thursday, June 4, 20208:00 a.m. William Ventura+7:00 p.m. Leopoldo Gonzalez+

Friday, June 5, 20208:00 a.m. Tomasa Perez

Saturday, June 6, 20208:00 a.m. Flori Ventura+5:00 p.m. Tomasa Perez

Sunday, June 7, 2020The Most Holy Trinity8:00 a.m. Alejandra Bernot9:30 a.m. George Cabana+11:00 a.m. Cristian de la Iglesia+12:30 p.m. Jose Cue+7:00 p.m. Dr. Jose Ramon Yulee Salazar+

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONSMAY

FOR DEACONSWE PRAY THAT DEACONS, FAITHFUL TO THEIR

SERVICE TO THE WORD AND THE POOR, MAY BE AN INVIGORATING SYMBOL FOR THE ENTIRE CHURCH.

The Bigger Picture of PentecostBy Daniel S. Mulhall

LIVING THE FAITH

LIVING THE FAITH

There are four accounts in Scripture that describe the apostles after Jesus’ ascension.

- Matthew 28:19 has the apostles going forth to make disciples of all nations.- Mark 16:20 says that the apostles “went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs” sending them throughout the world proclaiming “eternal salvation.”- Luke 24:52-53 says the apostles returned to Jerusalem proclaiming Jesus and praising God in the temple.- And the most detailed presentation is found in Acts 1 and 2, which describes the election of a new apostle to replace Judas Iscariot and the effects of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

In each of these four passages, the followers of Jesus are seen as strong, courageous and determined messengers. They have no doubt that they have been charged by Jesus to proclaim the good news to the world.

Nowhere after the ascension is there any indication that they were afraid to appear in public, and we see that the coming of the Holy Spirit gave them the courage to take up Jesus’ mission. What Acts tells us is that when the tongues of fire came to rest on them, they became able to speak languages they did not know.

In reading the account in the Bible it is important to understand the context as well as the words used. Note that Acts 2:5-11 describes a great festival where “devout Jews from every nation

under heaven” were gathered in Jerusalem. This festival is Shavuot, which Judaism still celebrates.

The original Pentecost coincided with Shavuot.

Devout Jews from many different countries would have gathered to offer the first fruits of their harvest in the temple. What a perfect opportunity to get the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the good news of faith, out to a worldwide audience.

From this background we can begin to understand and appreciate the bigger picture of Pentecost. The gift of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the tongues of fire, was the ability to share this message so that others could understand it.

Pentecost, then, was the first true example of “enculturation,” which is the word the church uses to describe its efforts to proclaim the Gospel everywhere in such a way that it can be heard and understood by the listener.

That is the story of Pentecost in Acts: the apostles were compelled to spread the good news to everyone, everywhere.

For Christians, the coming of the Spirit marks the start of the church’s efforts to proclaim the Gospel to everyone throughout the entire world, no matter what language they speak.

For Christians, Pentecost confirms the completion of what once was and the beginning of all things new.

The question for Christians today is this: How do we proclaim the Gospel now so that people today will hear it, understand it and have their hearts set on fire by it?

This article was originally published in Catholic News Service’s Faith Alive!Copyright © 2015, Catholic News Service–United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

CatholicCurrent

“The family is, so to speak, the domestic church. In it, parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children. . .

Mulhall is a catechist. He lives in Laurel, Maryland.