Catholic Identity
Scripture Reading – Acts 2:1–11
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
📝 Summary
Pentecost is the moment the Holy Spirit came to Jesus’ followers, just as he had promised. A powerful wind filled the room, and what looked like tongues of fire rested on each person. Suddenly, they could speak in different languages, so people from all over the world could understand them.
This event shows that God wants everyone to know his love. It was the beginning of the Church’s mission to share the Good News with the whole world.
🙏 Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit,
Fill our hearts with your peace, courage, and wisdom.
Help us to listen to your voice, even when it feels like life is noisy or confusing.
Let your fire burn within us so we can be bold in loving, forgiving, and serving others.
May we speak words of kindness and truth that bring hope to our school and our community.
Amen.
💭 Reflection Questions
- When have I felt God’s Spirit giving me courage to do something difficult or new?
- How can I use my words to bring peace and understanding to others—like the disciples did?
- What gifts has the Holy Spirit given me that I can share in my school, family, or community?