Surrexit Christus Alleluia!
 

Pentecost or Whit Sunday : Reading cycle Year B
† 11th June 2000
Cycle of Prayer: The Church

First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 2 : 1 - 11
Recalling the events of the first Pentecost, and the manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit, this text gives a clear message. That the disciples are so empowered by the Spirit that they are transformed, and set out to proclaim the word of salvation beginning at Jerusalem, but reaching out to all peoples. Luke may be hinting that this city of Jerusalem, was the city of temptation, of trial, of death and apparent defeat for Jesus. But while Jesus was rejected, and the disciples will be in their turn, this city is also the starting point of the mission, and will bring the gospel to all peoples.

Second Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians 5 : 16 - 25
To walk with the Spirit is the ‘guiding principle’ of the Christian life. Under the influence of the indwelling Spirit, the Christian has an interior principle to counteract, and to balance the ‘flesh’. The gifts of the Spirit, says Paul, bring, “love, joy, peace, patience and kindness...let us be directed by the spirit.”

Gospel according to John 15 : 26 - 27; 16: 12 - 15
The Holy Spirit will come as a witness and advocate of the truth.In the same way the disciples of Jesus are to be his witnesses in the world. The Paraclete, will lead the disciples to the complete truth. Since Jesus was not able to explain everything to his disciples, and they would not have understood anyway, it will be for the Holy Spirit to guide the community of faith for the future. The guarantor of truth in the missionary work of teaching all peoples.

Liturgical Note:
This is the end of Eastertide.
Tomorrow the weekday Readings Year B resume with Year 10 in Ordinary Time.