Religious Education and Social Justice

Pentecost

Next Sunday, 28th May, the Catholic Church will celebrate Pentecost. The word Pentecost is Greek and it means "50th day." Fifty days after Easter Sunday, the Apostles and their followers were gathered in a room. Jews from all over the world gathered with Peter, the leader of the Apostles and the Eleven. At this time, a great wind blew and a flame appeared as a tongue of fire, which split itself into many individual flames above the heads of all those present. The Holy Spirit came upon these people and each began to speak in tongues. Despite the fact many had no common language, they were perfectly able to understand one another.

It is the Holy Spirit who lives in us, guides and helps us live the Gospel from age to age, and, because he is the Lord and giver of life and of wisdom, we know that the Church will always be guided in the spirit of Jesus.

As the Holy Spirit lives in us and in the Church, we do not have to fear for the future. What we do need to do is make time to listen to and speak with the Holy Spirit living in us. In that way, we will always choose the peaceful, kind and forgiving way to live with each other.

As Catholics, we celebrate the birth of our Church at Pentecost.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Spirit of wisdom and understanding, 

enlighten our minds to perceive 

the mysteries of the universe 

in relation to eternity. 

Spirit of right judgment and courage, 

guide us and make us firm 

in our baptismal decision 

to follow Jesus' way of love. 

Spirit of knowledge and reverence, 

help us to see the lasting value 

of justice and mercy 

in our everyday dealings with one another. 

May we respect life as we work 

to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology. 

Spirit of God, 

spark our faith, hope and love 

into new action each day. 

Fill our lives with wonder and awe 

in your presence 

which penetrates all creation. 

Amen.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader