No one had to convince the disciples that the Holy Spirit had come upon them that first Pentecost Sunday. The evidence was unmistakable.

 

As we hear in Sunday’s First Reading (Acts 2:1-11), “There came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.” Then tongue-like flames of fire came down upon them that enabled them to speak words that people of every language could understand.

 

The coming of the Holy Spirit freed the disciples from the fear that had locked them together in one place. With courage and conviction, they went forth into the streets of Jerusalem to proclaim “the mighty acts of God” made present in Jesus, the Risen Lord.

 

The disciples had no doubt in what Jesus had told them before his Ascension had happened, “You will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

 

That same Holy Spirit given to the first disciples came down upon us when we were washed in the saving waters of Baptism and sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation.

 

In Sunday’s Second Reading (1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13), Saint Paul proves that same Holy Spirit is with us. He tells us, “Brothers and sisters: No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.”

 

The Spirit of God is at work in us when we lift our minds and hearts to God in prayer, when we recognize the voice of the Lord as the scriptures are proclaimed, when we acknowledge the living presence of Christ in consecrated bread and wine, and when we respond to people in need with the compassion and mercy shown by Jesus.  

 

The Spirit of God is at work when Catholics come together to form a parish community, when priests continue the saving work of Christ as they celebrate the Sacraments, when married couples faithfully live out the vows of their marriage, when parents introduce their children to their Father in heaven, and when Christians strive to bring faith, hope, and love into a world darkened by sin and despair.

 

On the first Pentecost Sunday, the disciples came to know that the Holy Spirit was truly with them. This Pentecost Sunday, may we open our eyes to recognize the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

 

© 2026 Rev. Thomas Iwanowski