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

​Today we celebrate Pentecost—the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church, and the conclusion of the Easter season. Pentecost traces its roots to the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot, which marked the offering of the firstfruits gathered from the labor of the spring grain harvest. God chose this first Pentecost after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to reveal a deeper spiritual harvest: the firstfruits of believers who entered the Kingdom through Peter’s powerful preaching on that day.

Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11 | Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 | Ephesians 1:17-23 | Matthew 28:16-20

​Today marks the fortieth day since Easter. The Easter story and the story of salvation are now approaching their climax. What does the Ascension of Jesus Christ mean for all of us? First, the Ascension invites us to embrace the vision of our Lord. Second, it calls us to pray for wisdom and revelation. Finally, it commissions us to continue God’s work here on earth.

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 | Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 | 1 Peter 3:15-18 | John 14:15-21

Today’s readings focus on the effects of the resurrection on the human heart—perseverance, kindness, and self-sacrificing love. And since it is Mother’s Day, our reflection also highlights the love of mothers who show us what perseverance, kindness, and self-giving love truly mean. In many ways, the love closest to God’s love is the love of a mother.

Acts 6:1-7 | Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 | 1 Peter 2:4-9 | John 14:1-12

​Our weekend readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter talks about how we should live in a community.