Reflection for June 8, 2025

Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 | Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 | 1 Corinthians 12:3B-7, 12-13 | John 20:19-23

Solemnity of Pentecost (C)

Today, we joyfully celebrate the great feast of Pentecost—the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, igniting the birth of the Church and bringing the Easter season to its glorious fulfillment. What began as the Jewish Feast of Weeks, Shavuot—a celebration of the first fruits of the harvest—was transformed on that first Christian Pentecost into a divine outpouring of grace. God gathered not wheat or grain, but hearts—men and women moved by Peter’s preaching, becoming the first fruits of a new spiritual harvest. This was not merely an event of the past—it is a living reality. The same Spirit descends upon us today, breathing new life into our weary souls, gathering us into communion, and sending us forth into a world longing for hope. This Holy Spirit comes to us in three powerful ways. First, to clear away our confusion and calm our fears. Second, to bring unity where there is division and to draw us into deeper communion with God and one another. And finally, to transform us into courageous messengers of mercy—ambassadors of forgiveness, and living witnesses of Christ’s enduring love.

Grade 7 - Confused had a problem, and her name was Sara D.—queen of copying, test-day cheat notes, and mysterious missing wallet incidents. Tired of the chaos, a group of students approached their class president, Francis E., hoping he’d bring her to the guidance office. But Francis hesitated. Why? Because Sara sometimes bought him lunch. Justice versus Jollibee—tough call. Francis T., his chill sidekick, said, “Let it go, guys. School year’s almost done. Let the cheating spirit be free.” Meanwhile, Ronald R. was walking around with a “petition to cancel the complaint,” promising candy for signatures like some sketchy street magician. Confusion spread faster than group chat gossip—until Mr. Christian M., their adviser, walked in like a detective. “Why does this room feel like a reality show?” he asked. After hearing everything, he declared, “Confusion, division, and dishonesty are not from the Holy Spirit! Sara must explain herself—to the guidance counselor, not her lunch sponsor.” Francis E. nodded, ketchup on his shirt, finally getting it. Sara was sent to the office, got the support she needed, and Grade 7-Confused learned that leadership isn't about free fries—it’s about doing what’s right. Also, Ronald’s aircon petition? That one actually worked.

In our reading from the Acts of the Apostles the Holy Spirit rushed upon the apostles like a mighty wind and appeared as tongues of fire. Suddenly, the confusion that once clouded their hearts gave way to clarity—their mission was clear, their voices bold. The same Spirit is at work in us now. When we don’t know what to say to a grieving friend, the Spirit gives us wisdom. When Scripture feels too overwhelming to understand, the Spirit offers insight. When we’re discerning our path or making tough decisions for our families, the Spirit grants knowledge and discernment to choose what leads to peace and goodness. So let us ask daily for these gifts, that we too may speak and act with conviction, no longer ruled by fear or doubt, but moved by grace and truth. But the Holy Spirit does more than guide us individually—it unites us.

The Divicion family lived up to their name—divided in every way. Breakfast? Dad wanted eggs, Mom craved oatmeal, Kuya demanded longganisa, and Bunso wept for pancakes. Choosing a TV show felt like global diplomacy—K-drama, NBA, anime, teleserye—each with a loyal camp. Planning weekends? Let’s just say United Nations meetings were more peaceful. But one stormy Saturday, Typhoon Auring paid a surprise visit. A mighty gust blew their roof’s corner off, scattering Kuya’s anime posters and Bunso’s pancake mix into the wind. Power cut, water leaking, and the TV—gasp!—dead. Suddenly, Dad barked, “Bucket here! Towels there!” Mom directed cooking with what little was left. Kuya fixed the leaks with tape, and Bunso bravely held the flashlight. No arguments, just action. They laughed over instant noodles by candlelight. That night, Dad said, “See, kids? The Holy Spirit is like this storm—not to destroy, but to move us. When He blows into our hearts, He pushes us to unite. A house filled with the Spirit isn’t divided—it’s a home.” From then on, even when deciding on breakfast or TV, the Divicions paused, breathed, and remembered: unity starts with love... and maybe a little help from a typhoon.

The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that this Spirit, the very breath of God, forms us into one Body—the Church. Just as the Trinity is perfectly one in love, so are we, made in God’s image, called to unity, not isolation. When we proclaim “Jesus is Lord,” it is the Spirit at work within us. Through Baptism, we become members of one family—diverse, yet each indispensable. We see the Spirit alive whenever someone bridges conflict with reconciliation, when a young person serves the forgotten elderly, or when a community leader welcomes others with joy. These moments may seem small, but they echo the grandeur of Pentecost, for they knit us together into one communion where love, service, and mutual care flourish.

After dinner, the chaos began. Imee and Bongbong were zooming around the house like sugar-fueled rockets. Then—whack! Bongbong hit Imee with a mysterious stick (no one knows where it came from). Screaming, crying, and the kind of name-calling that would make a soap opera blush followed. As their mom, Imelda, marched them into pajamas like a seasoned general, they were still bickering like courtroom lawyers. She finally threw her hands up and said, “Children! What if one of you didn’t wake up tomorrow? What if this was your last chance to forgive?” They blinked. Imelda softened. “Listen. It’s hard to forgive, I know. But when we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, He gives us the grace to show mercy—even when we don’t feel like it.” There was a holy silence. For about three seconds. Then Bongbong sighed dramatically and said, “Fine, I’ll forgive her tonight. But if we both wake up tomorrow, she better wear a helmet.” Imelda muttered a prayer for more grace.

Finally in our Gospel from John 20:19–23, the risen Jesus breathes the Spirit upon the disciples and entrusts them with a mission: to be bearers of peace, mercy, and forgiveness. And that same mission belongs to us. Yet how often do we resist it? We hold grudges, cling to resentment, or avoid the difficult work of reconciliation. But the Spirit whispers: Forgive, as you have been forgiven. True forgiveness is not about winning an argument; it is about choosing peace over pride. Today, we are called to act. Reach out to someone with whom you’ve grown distant. Offer an apology, or simply open your heart. Return to the sacrament of Reconciliation, receive the healing touch of God’s mercy, and become a vessel of that mercy for others. In every conflict or moment of division, let our prayer rise: “Veni, Sancte Spiritus”—Come, Holy Spirit! Teach us to surrender anger, to be bold in love, and to be instruments of Christ’s peace—in our parish, in our homes, and in our communities.
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