The Unifying Gift of The Holy Spirit 

Weekly Missionary Reflection
Sunday, 19 May 2024
Solemnity Of The Pentecost
Acts 2:1-11; Ps. 104:1ab,24ac,29bc,-30,31,34; Gal. 5:16-25; John 15:26-27; 16:12-15.

Today we celebrate the most glorious Solemnity of Pentecost, the descending of the Holy Spirit on the disciples after Jesus arose. Let us reflect on how the disciples felt after Jesus was crucified. The disciples were very scared due to the pathetic murder of their Teacher. A few days later, they found that the tomb of Jesus was empty. Despite Jesus having appeared to the disciples several times, they couldn’t comprehend those happenings. They gathered together, but as told in the Scripture, they gathered secretly. Having been confused, disappointed, and fearful, they couldn’t figure out what to do.

In the Gospel’s reading, we know how the disciples could testify to the people after the Holy Spirit descending on them. And after the Pentecost, we know how the disciples boldly testified of Jesus Christ.

We all have received the same gift of the Holy Spirit like the disciples. The Pentecost is not only a celebration of the past mystery but also the mystery we can experience today. The Holy Spirit is the Trinity God Himself. God the Holy Spirit is truly living in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth that Jesus promises to us. “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth…” We can feel His presence from His fruits: “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal. 5:22-23).

That is the fruit of the Spirit that emerged in the testimony of the disciples and people of different parts of the world can comprehend the testimony. As a missionary who lives and works in different places, in Indonesia or other countries, I have experienced how love, kindness, gentleness, and joy can unify the people of different nations, languages, and cultures. Therefore, let us allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit and may, with His intercession, we become the witness of Christ in our daily lives. Happy Feast of the Pentecost. God bless. 

(Br. Kornelius Glossanto, SX – Xaverian Missionary)

DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER

Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in unity with Your Son, Jesus Christ, who always presents Himself in the Eucharist for the salvation of the world. May the Holy Spirit animating Jesus, also be my guidance and strength today so that I am ready to be the witness of Your love.

Together with Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, in particular, I present my prayer for our Pope and apostle prayer of the Indonesian Church of this month:

Universal Church Intent: For the formations of religious and seminarians
We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.

Indonesian Church Intent: Content creator and influencer
We pray that the content creators and influencers be able to produce content of positive message, honesty and unity building.

Amen.