The Feast of Pentecost: 31 May 2020
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4)
"This Sunday concludes the Easter season, the fifty days that, from Jesus’ resurrection to Pentecost, are marked in a particular way by the presence of the Holy Spirit...He is the Creator Spirit, who constantly brings about new things. Today’s readings show us two of those new things. In the first reading, the Spirit makes of the disciples a new people; in the Gospel, he creates in the disciples a new heart." (Pope Francis homily for Holy Mass on the Solemnity of Pentecost 2017.)
"Thus the event of Pentecost … is the New Covenant which the Spirit “writes” in the hearts of all who believe in Christ ... Indeed, from the first moment the Holy Spirit created her as the Church of all peoples …Since the beginning the Church has been one, catholic and apostolic: this is her true nature and must be recognised as such. She is not holy because of her members’ ability but because God himself, with his Spirit, never ceases to create her, purify her and sanctify her." (Pope Benedict homily for Holy Mass on the Solemnity of Pentecost 2011.)
New covenant, new people, new hearts - for 2020?
Have we been changed over the last few months?
How has the Holy Spirit changed the life of the Church?
Starters for preparing your own Prayer of the Faithful
Ask the Holy Spirit to be in your life with the response:
Veni Sancto Spiritus- Come Holy Spirit
- The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22
Can we see the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in those around us?
A prayer of thanks and praise ...
- Symbols of the Spirit – water, fire, wind – can be dangerous. They cleanse, destroy and knock down, all ultimately for a good purpose – for purification and bringing new life.
What is our role with the Holy Spirit in giving rise to new life in the church?
A prayer seeking forgiveness ...
- The Holy Spirit brings harmony within us and among us. The variety of our gifts builds unity.
As new people with a common purpose how do we live out our faith?
A prayer of petition...
- On this birthday of the Church we learn that everybody counts, that nobody is excluded, there is the sense of turning outwards in love for the world around us.
How does this Spirit of Pentecost resonate with us in a post Covid world?
A blessing prayer ...
Resources
Additional resources in te reo Māori for Penekota-Pentecost. Here
The Auckland Liturgy Centre has published two liturgies for you to choose from to use at home.
Family Liturgy of the Word for Pentecost. Here
Formal Liturgy of the Word for Pentecost. Here
Inspirations
"The Spirit is the source of holiness, a spiritual light, and he offers his own light to every mind to help it in its search for truth … we can know him by his goodness… As clear, transparent substances become very bright when sunlight falls on them and shine with a new radiance, so also souls in whom the spirit shines become spiritual themselves and a source of grace for others." (St Basil the Great (330-379 AD) from the Treatise on the Holy Spirit.)
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit , Comforting fire,
Life of all creation.
Anointing the sick, cleansing body and soul,
Fill this body!
Holy Spirit Sacred breath,
Fire of love, Sweetest taste,
Beautiful aroma,
Fill this heart.
Holy Spirit, Filling the world,
From the heights to the deep,
Raining from clouds, filling rivers and sea,
Fill this mind!
Holy Spirit, Forgiving and giving,
uniting strangers, reconciling enemies,
Seeking the lost, enfolding us together,
Fill these gathered here!
Holy Spirit, Bringing light into dark places,
Igniting praise,
Greatest gift, our Hope and Encourager,
Holy Spirit of Christ,
I praise you!
Amen.
Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)
Lord, send out your spirit and renew the face of the earth. Psalm 103 (104)
Music
Veni Sancte Spiritus (Taize chant) Here
Lyrics: Veni Sancte Spiritus (Repeated throughout)
Come, Holy Spirit, from heaven shine forth with your glorious light. Veni Sancte Spiritus
Come, Father of the poor, come, generous Spirit, come, light of our hearts. Veni Sancte Spiritus
Come from the four winds, O Spirit, come breath of God; disperse the shadows over us, renew and strengthen your people. Veni Sancte Spiritus
Most kindly warming light! Enter the inmost depths of our hearts, for we are faithful to you. Without your presence we have nothing worthy, nothing pure. Veni Sancte Spiritus
You are only comforter, Peace of the soul. In the heat you shade us; in our labour you refresh us, and in trouble you are our strength. Veni Sancte Spiritus
On all who put their trust in you and receive you in faith, shower all your gifts. Grant that they may grow in you and persevere to the end. Give them lasting joy! Veni Sancte Spiritus
Veni Creator Spiritus – plainsong Latin Here
Ascribed to Rabanus Maurus (776-856)
Send us your Spirit by Dan Schutte Here
Send down the Fire by Marty Haugen Here