Pentecost

To All the Families of Pentecost of the Epiphany 

Pentecost Sunday 

From Our Hearts to Our Pews: Holy Spirit, Come! 
(John 20:19-23; 08 May 2025) 

Today, Solemnity of Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles. Today, the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Gospel takes us to the Upper Room, where the apostles had taken refuge after the death of Jesus (John 20:19-23). On the evening of Passover, the Risen One presents himself precisely into that situation of fear and anguish and, breathing on them, says: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). In this way, with the gift of the Spirit, Jesus wishes to free the disciples from fear, from this fear that keeps them holed up at home, and he frees them so that they may be able to go out and become witnesses and proclaimers of the Gospel. Let us dwell a little on what the Spirit does: he frees from fear. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 2023) 

Dear Brothers and Sisters 

Years ago, a small parish was preparing for the Easter Vigil. The power went out just before the service, plunging the entire church into darkness. But one candle remained the Paschal candle, already lit and waiting at the back of the Church. 

As the priest entered, he held that single flame high. Then, one by one, parishioners lit their small candles from it. In just a few minutes, the entire Church was glowing—not from overhead lights, but from hundreds of tiny flames, passed from one hand to another. 

That moment was more than beautiful. It was Pentecost in miniature. Just as the Holy Spirit descended like fire on the disciples, sparking faith and courage, so too does the Spirit move among us—often quietly, person to person, light to light. It begins with one spark, one heart open to God, and spreads through community. 

“Come, Holy Spirit!” 

Dear Epiphany in Christ 

Today we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, the day the Church was born. After 50 days of Easter joy, the Holy Spirit—whom Jesus promised—descends upon the Apostles like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. With that, a timid, fearful group of disciples becomes bold witnesses, proclaiming the Gospel in every language under heaven. What a stunning transformation. 

The same Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation now re-creates the world through the Church. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus in His ministry now empowers us to carry out His mission. And the same Spirit who gave speech to the Apostles wants to speak through us today. 

From Fear to Courage 

The Gospel tells us that the disciples were locked in a room for fear. Jesus had risen, yes—but still, they were afraid. It was only when He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” that everything changed. 

We, too, can become locked in rooms of fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of change, or even fear of truly following Jesus. But the Holy Spirit is the one who unlocks those doors. He turns fear into courage, doubt into conviction, and weakness into strength. 

So ask yourself: What doors are locked in my life? What is the Spirit inviting me to open? 

From Division to Unity 

On that first Pentecost, people from every nation under heaven heard the Gospel in their own language. The confusion of Babel was reversed (Genesis 11:1-9). Suddenly, all those different voices were united in praise of God. 

That’s what the Holy Spirit does—He doesn’t erase our differences, but He creates unity in diversity. In a world that is often divided—by politics, culture, race, and even within the Church—Pentecost reminds us that we are one Body, animated by one Spirit. 

Let us not be afraid of differences. Let us welcome the richness of each person’s gift and background, because the Spirit speaks through all of us, not just some of us. 

From Inward to Outward 

Finally, Pentecost reminds us that the Church is not meant to be turned inward. The Spirit sends us out—to proclaim, to serve, to witness. 

This is not just the work of priests or missionaries or theologians. Every Christian is sent. You have a gift that someone else needs. You are part of the Spirit’s plan to renew the face of the earth. 

And maybe it is something simple: a word of encouragement, a gesture of forgiveness, an act of generosity. But it is real. And when done in the Spirit, it carries divine power. 

Empowered for the Mission: Happy Pentecost, dear Epiphany! 

Today we do not just remember a historical event. Pentecost is not merely a memory of something that happened long ago. It is a present reality. The Holy Spirit did not come once and then vanish—He is still here, still moving, still filling the Church, and still empowering every one of you. You are not spectators of the Spirit. You are His dwelling place. 

An Epiphany Community on Fire from the Holy Spirit 

Brothers and sisters, you are not alone. You are not powerless. You are not unqualified. You are anointed. 

You are sent. And you are empowered. May our community be like that Upper Room—united in love, open in prayer, and ready for mission. And may the Holy Spirit set our hearts on fire again, so we can be the kind of Church the world can not ignore. 

Come, Holy Spirit. Renew your people. Renew your Church. Renew the face of the earth. 

A Final Prayer for the Future Mission of the Epiphany –So today, let us pray as the Community of Epiphany: 

“Come, Holy Spirit” 

Come into our hearts and kindle in us the fire of your love 
Come into our Epiphany Community and renew it with your power 
Come into our world and bring peace where there is conflict, 
healing where there is hurt, and hope where there is despair 
And may the Spirit who came in wind and fire continue to breathe life 
into our Parish today—so we too may proclaim the mighty works of God. 
Amen! 

Fraternally, 
Fr. John Peter Lazaar SAC, Pastor