TOPIC:
PENTECOST, THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
C, PENTECOST HOMILY, JOHN 20:19-23, JUNE 5, 2022
1. STORY
John was sitting comfortably in the plane ready to take off for a long trip
over the ocean when the pilot announced a slight delay due to trouble with the
plane's compass. The pilot then announced another delay explaining that the
compass had to be replaced with a new one. Finally, the pilot announced the
plane was ready to depart as the compass was in order. During this delay no one
complained as all knew the importance of a compass to guide them during the
long flight. The Holy Spirit is our compass guiding us during our long journey
in life.
2. GOSPEL, JOHN 20:19-23
A. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
When
the resurrected Jesus visited the disciples for the first time after his
resurrection, he gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit. "He breathed on
them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
B. JESUS GIVE THE DISCIPLES A MISSION.
Jesus
not only gave the disciples a gift but he also gave them a mission, a task for
them to do. He sent them out to preach the good news. "As the Father has
sent me, so I send you."
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Jesus
has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit both at our baptism and our
confirmation. How does the Holy Spirit help us?
i)
During our complicated journey in life, the Holy Spirit will help us to better
understand the problems we meet and will help us make the right decisions. We
must ask the Holy Spirit for his help.
ii)
There are many voices we may hear giving us advice on how to act or how to
solve a problem. We must listen carefully to his guidance and obey it.
B. JESUS HAS GIVEN US A MISSION.
Just
as Jesus was sent by his father into this world to preach the good news of
their salvation, so does Jesus send us out on the same mission.
i)
Where shall we go? St. Pope John Paul II answers this question, "The world
today is one great mission land, even in countries of longstanding Christian
tradition."
ii) How do we carry out this mission?
a)
We must pray for the people we wish to evangelize.
b)
We preach by our actions. We are kind, respectful, and caring towards others.
b)
We share our message that for those who follow him, Jesus will bring them
peace, happiness, and will give them eternal life.
4. CONCLUSION
i) John knew the importance of the plane's compass to guide them to their
destination.
ii) Jesus gave the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit and the mission to
preach the good news about their salvation.
iii)
We have also received the gift of the Holy Spirit and the mission to continue
the work of sharing the good news about Jesus.
