Welcome to our Bible Study

Pentecost Sunday15 May 2016

In preparation for this Sunday’s LiturgyAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st 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.

1st 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 2,1-11I. 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. 3000 saved (2:41)

1st Reading: Acts 2,1-11Inside 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:

1st part: what happens inside the room 2nd 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 1st 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, 34R. (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, 34R. (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 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 us who feel old and antiquated. 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.

2nd Reading: Romans 8,8-17 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not

in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you. 12 Consequently, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, "Abba, Father!" 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

The focus is on the Holy Spirit.

2nd Reading: Romans 8,8-17 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the

flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you. 12 Consequently, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, "Abba, Father!" 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Please pay attention to the words in black, and then to the words in red.

Textual Context of Rom 8,8-17 I. Introduction 1,1-15II. Part I: Doctrinal section - Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord 1,16—11,36

A. Through the gospel the uprightness of God is revealed as justifying the person of faith. 1,16—4,25

B. The love of God assures salvation to those justified by faith. 5,1—8,39C. This justification/salvation does not contradict God's prom ise to Israel

of Old. 9,1—11,36III. Part II: Hortatory section - The demands of upright life in Christ. 12,1—

15,13IV. Conclusion 15,14-33V. Letter of recommendation for Phoebe (the deaconess) 16,1-23VI. Doxology 16,25-27

2nd Reading: Romans 8,8-17 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please

God. 9 But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you. 12 Consequently, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, "Abba, Father!" 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Commentary In the text, St. Paul contrasts

between those who live in the flesh and those who live in the Spirit.

Those who live in the flesh Cannot please God (v.8) Do not belong to him (v.9) Will die (v.13) They are slaves (v.15), live in

fear. Those who live in the Spirit (in Christ)

Life will be given to their mortal bodies (v.11)

They will live (v.13) They are children of God (vv.14

and 16); heirs of God (v.17); joint heirs with Christ (v.17)

They cry out “Abba, Father” (v.15) After suffering, they are glorified

with him (v.17)

Reflections on the 2nd reading There is a great difference between living in the flesh and

living in the Spirit. Living in the flesh (world, godlessness, without Christ, living

according to instincts, likes and dislikes) is death. Living in the Spirit is life and freedom. What happened to Jesus will also happen to those who

live in the Spirit. They too will rise; their mortal bodies will be given life.

Like Jesus, they will be considered children of God, heirs of and co-heirs with Christ.

As children, they can address God as their “Father, Abba!”

Gospel Reading: John 14:15-16.23-26 15 Jesus said to his disciples, "If you love me, you will

keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.

23 "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 25 "I have told you this while I am with you. 26 The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name-- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you.

The focus is on the Holy Spirit as Advocate.

Gospel Reading: John 14:15-16.23-26 15 Jesus said to his disciples,

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.

23 "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 25 "I have told you this while I am with you. 26 The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name-- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you.

Commentary In v.15, Jesus reiterates to those who

love him the need to keep his commandments.

In v.16, Jesus promises to intercede for them, to give them the Holy Spirit (Advocate, defender).

V.23 repeats the message of v.15, and assures each individual of the Father’s love, and the Father and the Son dwelling with him.

V.24 reminds those who don’t listen to Jesus that his words come from the Father.

V.26 mentions the work of the Holy Spirit: To teach To remind

Reflections on the gospel reading God lavishes those who love him with his love and

presence. His gift to us who respond to him is the Holy Spirit who

is not an ordinary gift. The Holy Spirit always abides in us, teaches us and

reminds us of all the words and deeds of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is important to those who need help and

comfort. All of us need help and comfort, especially when we feel

abandoned, helpless, loveless and defeated.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading tells about

the descent of the Holy Spirit in the forms of sound and fire.

The psalm teaches that the Spirit of God gives life and renews life.

The second reading tells us the benefits of living according to the Holy Spirit.

The gospel reading assures us the abiding comforting presence of the Holy Spirit.

How to develop your sharing or homily Begin by telling a story about the charismatic groups/

movements. (El Shaddai, Love Flock, Lord’s Flock, Shalom International, etc.).

The strength of these groups is their fearless recognition of the Holy Spirit acting in their lives.

They set the mood in order to experience the “coming” of the Holy Spirit (baptism of the Holy Spirit, slain by the Spirit, prayer warrioring, etc.)

Now tell what the readings say about the Holy Spirit.

The first reading tells about the coming of the Holy Spirit (in a loud sound and in tongues of fire) and how it transforms the apostles. They get out of their fears and go out into the open. They become gifted with speech. They are understood when they speak. (glossolalia, speaking

in tongues) They become missionaries.

The Holy Spirit should have the same effect on us.

The psalm recognizes two important acts of the Holy Spirit, even before the Pentecost. It gives life. It renews.

As Christians, we must show that the Spirit lives in us, by the way we live.

We must live spirited lives, not dull lives. We must show creativity (originality) at all times in

dealing with God and with one another. We must use our imagination.

The second reading informs us what happens when we live in the Spirit, not according to flesh. Our mortal bodies become alive. We put to death our bodies that lead to sin. We become children of God. We become intimate with God. We can call God “Abba, Father” (Daddy), without feeling corny.

To live otherwise (according to flesh) is living in sin and death. We cannot please God.

The gospel reading reiterates the need to love God and keep his commandments.

Loving God and keeping his commandments pave the way of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit cannot work in us (cannot comfort us) if we have no love for God and if we don’t do his will.

This feast of the Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit works in many different ways.

No one monopolizes the Holy Spirit. We receive the Holy Spirit in our baptism and confirmation.

If truly we possess the Holy Spirit, we should have clarity in our speech and discussions. (1st reading)

We don’t blur issues and sow confusion in our meetings and communities.

When we open our mouths, something must be clarified. A light is lit. If truly we possess the Holy Spirit, we are creative in our

dealings with our loved ones. We transform people and societies.

Again we use our imagination.

If truly we possess the Holy Spirit, we live moral / ethical lives. (2nd reading)

We are able to distinguish between good and evil. In freedom, we always choose what is intrinsically good. Many Catholics tolerate evil (vices, stealing,

uncharitable words, injustice), though they know it is bad.

Many catholics are proud to be members of charismatic groups, but they fail to see that the Holy Spirit works also in the institutional Church.

Today, everyone, even the charismatic / renewal groups, needs to renew.

Many charismatics are fed up with too much emotionalism (hysteria) in their ranks, at a loss where the Spirit is leading them, because of lack of solid formation.

They lack the guidance of trained spiritual directors and authorized shepherds (priests).

They fail to go deep into their hearts and minds, because they are distracted by their noisy music, networking, and are bogged down with money and problems with accountability.

We should be wary about charismatic or church groups that teach more about making money uncritically than leading authentic spirit-led lives.

The kenosis of Christ does not mean anything to them.

The eucharist fosters and deepens our spiritual lives. In the eucharist, Jesus with the Holy Spirit and the

Father comes to console us. Living eucharistic lives is living according to the Spirit. In this eucharist, the Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us

that we are God’s children.

Our Context of Sin and Death Materialism Vanity Worldy pleasures Manipulating the Word of God Shallow practice of religion Celebrations becoming stage

shows Charismatic groups running

out of steam, losing vigor Charismatic groups becoming

institutionalized

Guided charismatic groups, with solid biblical foundation

Creativity Prophetic charismatic groups Renewal movements Discernment groups Spiritual directors Pneumatology

Suggested Songs Come Holy Ghost

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eltIRT5ZvlM&feature=related

Veni Creator http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnUJWDEQDW4&feature=relate

d

The Spirit of God In his time Spirit of God by Mirriam Therese

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiqptMZCg7I

Dear sisters and brothers,

Don't extinguish the fire of the Holy Spirit that is in you.

Fr. Cielo