This Sunday we’ll celebrate the feast of Pentecost. On Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles gathered within the upper room in Jerusalem. They were locked in fear and unsure about what was going to happen to them once they left that room.

On that first Pentecost, the disciples were in fear and uncertainty likewise. As Christians, we too, await the Spirit of God to enrich our lives and renew the face of the earth. The events in Ukraine, Buffalo, New York, Uvalde, Texas, and other parts of our world remind us that we need a new outpouring of God’s Spirit. God says to us, “Do not be afraid.” The Church is God’s presence in the world. This presence says to the frightened hearts “have courage and do not fear for God whose love is everlasting comes to save us.”

Jesus greets his disciples and us with the gift of peace. He breathes the Holy Spirit upon us so that we can experience his presence always. To all the nations and people of every race, language, and culture the Spirit is given to us all as a sign of unity and peace. May we learn to have a greater understanding of each other! “God has not brought us this far to leave us now.”(Philippians 1:6)

As we celebrate this great feast of Pentecost, let the Holy Spirit move among all people of faith. It is now fifty days since the resurrection of Jesus. May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen our frightened hearts and make us authentic witnesses of the gospel.