Reflection for Pentecost:

Today is the birthday of the church.  At Pentecost, the Church is not formed by human will, but by the power of the Spirit of God. The disciples, gathered with Mary, are set on fire by the powerful love of the Holy Spirit. The Church receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, holy fear (awe) in God’s presence. And, by God’s grace, she reflects the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.

In the event of Pentecost, it is made clear that many languages and cultures make up the Church. St. Luke clearly wants to convey a fundamental reality, namely, at the birth the Church it is already “catholic,” universal. She speaks all languages from the very beginning, because the Gospel that is entrusted to her is destined for all peoples, according to the will of the risen Christ (cf. Matthew 28:19).