ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Praised be Jesus Christ!
Brother Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, catechumens, candidates for Confirmation, sponsors, families and friends,

For fifty days the joy of Easter has surrounded us. The Church’s liturgies, scriptures, prayers and music proclaim over and over again: Christ has risen from the dead! Jesus, the Son of God made man, who was mocked, tortured and killed, is restored to life in all His glory. He has conquered sin and death and won redemption for all. The Paschal Mystery of Christ’s suffering, Death and Resurrection is now complete. We are restored as the children of God and endowed with the hope and promise of eternal life. The mystery of Christ’s rising from the dead moves beyond time and history as it is more than a calendar event or a seasonal reflection. It is at the center of our Christian faith. Centuries ago Saint Augustine declared: "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song."

Today as we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost during the Bicentennial Jubilee Year of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Church continues her song of Alleluia as the Holy Spirit is revealed to the world. On the day of His Ascension, Jesus assured His Apostles that He would not leave them alone. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ promise is fulfilled as the love of the Most Blessed Trinity is poured into the hearts of the Apostles and upon the universe. The Holy Spirit gathers Jesus’ followers as one into the Body of Christ, the Church, to continue God’s plan for salvation.

In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Luke recounts not only the glorious descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, but also the first manifestation of the Church to the world. Imagine being in Jerusalem on that day! Jews of every nation and language descend upon this Holy City to celebrate the feast of Pentecost, a day of thanksgiving to God for the completion of the harvest. Suddenly, the atmosphere turns from festivity to bewilderment as a strong driving wind is heard and felt. The Apostles are filled with the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire "came to rest upon their heads" (Acts 2:3). With impassioned speech, they witness to the Good News of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection and invite all before them to embrace the Cross of Christ. The assembly is dumfounded as these simple Galileans, with little or no education, preach the message of God’s mighty deeds in many languages so all can understand. The people see firsthand the transformative power of the Holy Spirit as the Apostles become courageous leaders who invite them to a new harvest, a new Pentecost. On this day in Jerusalem, the Church embarks upon a mission, which will continue until Jesus Christ comes again in glory.

In his Letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul further unfolds the mystery of the first Pentecost. For Paul, discipleship of Jesus comes from the Holy Spirit, who is the one and only source of faith, good works and service. As Saint Paul writes: "To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit" (1 Corinthians 12:7). This manifestation of the Spirit is linked to the spiritual gifts received at Baptism. Using the metaphor of the human body, Paul describes these gifts as many and varied; yet they are designed to be used for others and for Christ.

Dear Friends, the words of Saint Paul remind us that our lives as baptized Catholics are a constant invitation to profess in our words and deeds that "Jesus is Lord" (1 Corinthians 12:3). Through our Baptism, we are marked for Jesus. We are called to use our God-given gifts and talents to further the Kingdom of God on earth. Each and every day we are challenged to witness to God’s love in a very troubled world. With the Holy Spirit as our Advocate, we are able to rise to this challenge daily by renewing our resolve to turn to God and lead others to Him.

In today’s Gospel, which takes us back to the evening of the Resurrection, Saint John reminds us that prior to the miracle of Pentecost, the Apostles’ faith had been sorely tested. Grief-stricken, frightened and confused after the Death of Jesus, they return to the Upper Room, the place where only nights before Jesus promised them eternal life, giving them His Body and Blood. Here they wait behind locked doors. In the midst of this anxiety, Jesus appears. With His greeting of peace, excitement and rejoicing now fill the room. Christ is truly risen and shows Himself to His closest of friends. It is the Lord, but how different He is! They see His wounds, but he no longer suffers for He has defeated death and now reigns as Lord of heaven and earth. His divinity and glory are furthered revealed as He breathes the Spirit of God upon the Apostles and they are given the power to forgive sins.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the message of this Gospel helps us to understand that, though trials and tribulations befall us, we are not alone in this life! Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through His Passion, Death and Resurrection, lives on and is with us! God has washed us from sin and the Holy Spirit is with us. We are fed as a holy family at the table of His Word and Eucharist, which give us strength for our journey home.

There are those among us today, who in the footsteps of the Apostles, will receive the Holy Spirit in a new and fuller way through the Sacrament of Confirmation. In just a few moments, our candidates will be sealed with the Holy Spirit, who awakens in them those gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord which they received at their Baptism. These spiritual gifts will keep them attentive and obedient to God’s will, and help them to bear witness to Jesus Christ in the world.

Dear Candidates for Confirmation, the Church of Philadelphia rejoices as you commit yourselves more deeply as disciples of Jesus Christ. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, you become a fully initiated member of the Body of Christ, the Church. The Holy Spirit will strengthen you in new ways and comfort you in times of trouble. We, your Church family, pray for your continued spiritual growth and a further deepening of your Catholic faith. Allow the Spirit of Truth to guide your path to heaven, today and all the days of your life.

Dear Friends, Pentecost signals an end to the Easter season. Let us, however, continue to keep the joy of Easter in our hearts. Let us rejoice, knowing that God loves us and His Spirit works within us. Let us make our life a constant alleluia that sings out, Jesus is Lord! Amen. Alleluia.