We arrive at the fiftieth day – the completion of the Easter Season, and the completion of the Paschal Mystery: the Lord has died, is risen, has ascended to heaven and now gives birth to his Church, by sending the Spirit upon the apostles. This feast of the gift of the Spirit is so significant for us, because it marks the handing on of Jesus’ ministry to the Church – in the Church we are guaranteed the presence of the Lord, in his sacraments, in his ministers and the gathered Church, in the Blessed Sacrament and in his Celebrated Word. It also marks the fulfillment of our thoughts about baptism throughout this season: the gift of the Spirit which we receive in Confirmation is the `seal’ of our baptism, guaranteeing and confirming all that baptism achieves.
Today’s Scripture
Genesis 11: 1 – 9 or Exodus 19: 3 – 8, 16 – 20
or Ezekiel 37: 1 – 14 or Joel 3: 1 – 5.
Response: Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, my soul:
Lord God, how great you are,
clothed in majesty and glory,
wrapped in light as in a robe.
How many are your works, O Lord!
In wisdom you have made them all.
The earth is full of your riches.
Bless the Lord, my soul.
All of these look to you
to give them their food in due season.
You give it, they gather it up:
You open your hand, they have their fill.
You take back your spirit, they die,
returning to the dust from which they came.
You send forth your spirit, they are created;
and you renew the face of the earth
Romans 8: 22 – 27
Acclamation for the Gospel: Sequence: “Holy Spirit, Lord of light, …”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment:
Love one another, just as I have loved you.” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
John 7: 37 – 39
Day Mass
Acts 2: 1 – 11
Response: Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord God, how great you are,
How many are your works, O Lord!
The earth is full of your riches.
You take back your spirit, they die,
returning to the dust from which they came.
You send forth your spirit, they are created;
and you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the Lord last for ever!
May the Lord rejoice in his works!
May my thoughts be pleasing to him.
I find my joy in the Lord.
Romans 8: 8 – 17.
Acclamation for the Gospel: Sequence: “Holy Spirit, Lord of light, …”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment:
Love one another, just as I have loved you.” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
John 14: 15 – 16, 23 – 26
