Solemnity of Pentecost (c)
Ordinary Season of the Year. (c)
Weekdays – Year 2
Sunday 22nd May: Solemnity of Pentecost (c).
Today we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, the fiftieth and final day of the Easter season. We celebrate the completion of the Easter mystery in the coming of the Holy Spirit and ask for the gift of that same Spirit as we gather today.
The first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. St. Luke describes the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the effect it had on them.
The second reading is from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans. We are reminded that God gives us life through the Spirit at work in us. He enables us to live in unity and peace with one another.
The Gospel passage, from St. John, we are reminded how the Risen Jesus gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples and inaugurates the mission of the Church.
END OF THE EASTER SEASON.
Monday 23rd May: Tuesday in the seventh week of the year.
We continue this week with the readings from the Letter of St. James. He contrasts, in this section, the harmony that wisdom and the lack of harmony from jealousy.
The Gospel passages come from St. Mark. Today we read of Jesus healing a man who is possessed. He demands faith and trusting prayer, otherwise we are closed to God’s action and grace.
Tuesday 24th May: Tuesday in the seventh week of the year.
James reminds us that Christians are not perfect but must strive for perfection.
Jesus foretells his passion, death and resurrection for the second time but the disciples still do not understand. Do we? Do we understand the cross when it is placed on our shoulders?
Wednesday 25th May: Wednesday in the seventh week of the year.
James reminds us we need to make a total conversion to God and his ways. It is to be a conversion of the whole of our being.
It can be very easy to ridicule the good done by others if they do not belong. Jesus appreciated whatever good done by anyone whether one of his followers or not.
Thursday 26th May: Thursday in the seventh week of the year.
A strong warning is ut before us in today’s reading from James. It is aimed particularly at those who gained their wealth and riches by exploiting and defrauding others. Their wealth will not serve them and will disappear.
In a series of not too well connected words of the Lord to his disciples, we notice for example, his great concern for the ‘little ones’ – the ordinary follower who is not an expert or well versed in doctrine and theology.
Friday 27th May: Friday in the seventh week of the year.
We are warned by James in this section to leave judging to God. We are also encouraged to use proper speech.
For Christ, marriage is meant by the Father to be indissoluble since it mirrors God’s love for each one of us. His love is faithful and permanent. Married love is to be the same.
Saturday 28th May: Saturday in the seventh week of the year.
Today is the final extract from the Letter of St. James. He urges to keep on praying and he highlights those for whom we should pray especially the sick.
Jesus gives us a good practical example of how we are to be – like little children. Otherwise, we shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Send forth your Spirit, O Lord
And renew the face of the earth.
