Saints + Scripture: Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday

'Tis the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday: Pentecost-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

[Pentecost] commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles & other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. This event represents the birth of the catholic Church.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday: Mass during the Day
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter two, verses one thru eleven;
Psalm One Hundred Four, verses one & twenty-four, twenty-nine & thirty, & thirty-one & thirty-four;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter twelve, verses three(b) thru seven, twelve, & thirteen;
or, the Letter to the Galatians, chapter five, verses sixteen thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twenty, verses nineteen thru twenty-three;
or, the Gospel according to John, chapter fifteen, verses twenty-six & twenty-seven & chapter sixteen, verses twelve thru fifteen.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, in our Gospel for today, drawn from St. John’s account, Jesus shows his disciples the wounds of his Crucifixion, and then he offers them shalom (peace). It is the juxtaposition of the wounds and the shalom that carries power. The wounds alone would leave us afraid, convinced of our sin but not of a way out. The shalom alone would leave us with cheap grace, a too easy way out.

And this is precisely why, immediately after uttering that word and showing those wounds, Jesus sends the disciples on a mission of forgiveness: "Then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men’s sins they are forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held bound.’"

The Church receives its essential mission and identity as the bearer of the divine forgiveness. We have been entrusted with speaking the shalom of Jesus to a fallen and hopeless world. But it’s not cheap grace that we share. We participate in Jesus’ mission of showing his wounds as well. The Church refuses to explain sin away or make excuses for it or call it by another name. But when those wounds are revealed, it offers peace.

Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Video reflection by Jeff Cavins: Encountering the Word.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D.: Breaking the Bread.

Mass Journal: Week Twenty-one
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:

In every age, there are a small number of men & women who are prepared to turn their backs on popular culture & personal gain to embrace heroically the life Jesus outlines in the Gospels. These people fashion Catholicism into a lifestyle, they listen attentively to the voice of God in their lives, & they passionately pursue their personal adventure of salvation. As a result, they capture the attention & the imagination of everyone who crosses their path.

†

Otherwise, 20 May would be the festival of Saint Lucifer of Calgiari, Bishop (died circa 370), who vigorously opposed the Arian heresy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Heresy.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Ælfthryth of Crowland, Virgin (died circa 835, A.K.A. Alfreda, Etheldrytha): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Bernardino of Siena, Priest, O.F.M. (1380-1444, the "Apostle of Italy"), who popularized devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus thru the IHS Christogram: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, YouTube-link The True Enlightenment, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Holy Name & Wikipedia-link IHS.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed María Crescentia, Religious (1897-1932, "Sister Sweetness," A.K.A. María Angélica Pérez): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"The truth is not always the same as the majority decision."
—Pope John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005; feast day: 22 October)

Little Flower Quote o' the Day

"I am not dying, I am entering into Life…"
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Heart of Jesus, I ask You for a special blessing for Chile, given that it is God’s will that I die here. Gladly I offer You the sacrifice for the peace & tranquility of this nation."
—Bl. María Crescentia (1897-1932, feast day: 20 May)