THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

At Catholic mass this weekend, the great feast of Pentecost is celebrated.  First, I'll give you some insight into the origins of the event.  Pentecost is the Greek name for the Jewish feast of Shavuot.  It was a Spring harvest celebration.  Shavuot is timed to be 50 days after the Passover.  You remember that Jesus died three days after having the Passover meal.  Christians celebrate his Ascension into heaven 40 days after his death.  Now, 10 days later, we have Pentecost.

There are a number of different readings that can be used this weekend telling the story of the coming of the Holy Spirit.  This Holy Spirit is one Jesus promised he would send to strengthen his Apostles.  The Spirit not only brought strength but the ability to communicate with those who spoke different languages.  They now had the ability and the courage to preach the words Jesus taught them.  The church was born.

We are all called to carry the word to other. 

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