Scripture Reflection, June 8, 2025, Pentecost Sunday

Acts 2:1-11 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Romans 8:8-17

John 20:19-23. or John 14:15-16, 23b-26

Now, in my mid-70’s, I often find myself talking about the importance of relationships. The relationships we have with God, with people, and even with animals such as pets, form the fabric of our lives. And the way we view ourselves is a very important contribution to the way we build any of our relationships. As I have written here before, we can’t develop healthy relationships unless we possess healthy self-esteem - an appreciation for our own goodness, including the gifts, talents and abilities that God has given to each one of us.

Not surprisingly, all of today’s readings point toward the budding and blossoming of a relationship with the Holy Spirit - the gift of God-with-us…a gift given to us by Jesus at Pentecost.

In the first reading (from the Acts of the Apostles) we hear about a miracle of communication, as people from many regions with many different languages are able to understand perfectly a group of Gentiles speaking to them about God. Good communication is a building block for the formation of healthy relationships. The Hoy Spirit, hard at work.

In both the options for the second reading (one from First Corinthians, the other from Romans) Paul references the importance of growing our relationship with the Holy Spirit, and the ways in which the Father, Son and Spirit (The Holy Trinity) combine to form a complete manifestation of God - as a perfect, infinite being with whom all of us can communicate; and someone who is always inviting us to come closer and deeper into relationship.

And in the Gospel of John we see the Holy Spirit presented as one who sends us forth to be missionary disciples; and as an “advocate” for each one of us individually and for all of us collectively. The Spirit is present in our world as a teacher and as one who continually reminds us of the lessons we are learning about faith, hope and love during our lifetimes.

The Spirit of our living and loving God is the very foundation of the Church whose birthday we celebrate today - our Church - one, holy, catholic and apostolic. We are each an important part of the Church. Happy Birthday to all of us. Happy Birthday, Church!

by: Bill Miller