Pentecost , Which one? And why?

Pentecost

Acts 2; 2-11 / John 20; 19-23

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Most interesting, the difference between the stories’ of Acts 2: 1-11 and John 20: 19-23. Acts is full of the visual flare we have come to expect in the tradition of the Old Testament (Jewish bible) while John’s Gospel is in the tradition of a quiet spirituality.

So which is it? Are we to believe the story in “Acts”, the dramatic visual effect of tongues of fire resting on the heads of the apostles giving them the power to preach to all corners of the world? Or are we to believe “the Gospel of John” the more simple breath of God giving to these same apostles, the power to peacefully forgive the sins of humanity? Or perhaps the whole truth cannot be told in a single simple story. If we put the two readings together we have God giving us the power to aggressively and enthusiastically live in and preach peace. Imagine that, aggressive peace!

I’m not sure what “aggressive peace” looks like, perhaps I’ll be privileged enough to witness it in my life time. For now I prefer to live in the quiet spirituality of John, or at least the John in this passage.

May the power of peace given to us through the Holy Spirit be with us all now and forever.

Scripture as per the NABRE

by David E. Gonzales 

Sunday, Ascension of the Lord: Luke, 24; 46-53

“And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you, but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

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To be honest with you today’s Gospel reading isn't so much about the ascension of Christ into heaven as it is about the coming of the Holy Spirit, also known as Pentecost Sunday. In this Gospel, unlike Acts 1; 6-12, this story of the ascension is factual in its nature, even dry sounding. While in Acts the story is much more visually stimulating followed by a teaching of what is to come.

Today’s reading prepares us for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, as well as a week best filled with meditation. This is a week that begs us to draw back from the physical world and embrace the Spirit. Whether you do this in a state of monastic solitude or engaging in acts of charity or combining church activities with communal prayer is up to the individual.

“As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.”

Truly we are a blessed people, and may God’s blessings through our Christ be with you this week and always.

Scripture is from the NABRE

by David E. Gonzales 

Shalom; Sixth Sunday of Easter John 14; 23-29

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

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           Peace; Shalom; here the meaning of the word “Shalom” is better put into the context of “salvation.” In today’s Gospel reading Jesus gives us “his” peace/salvation. “Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” say’s Jesus to his disciples. Our Christ not only foretells of the near coming events, but he gives his disciples, and us, his reassurance. “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

           Remember also that this passage is taught before the passion takes place. What the disciples did not know, that what we now know, is that Christ’s giving of himself on the cross is the seal for our peace/salvation. Our Christ is giving himself, for us, to his enemies, by the will of his Father that we are not to become orphans. That he will always be with us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let us all have the strength to follow the Spirit back to our Father, who awaits us at our true home.

Scripture is from the NABRE

by David E. Gonzales