Last Sunday (Ascension), we read from Matthew 28:20 about the commissioning of the disciples (and by extension, believers today) to “Go…, make disciples…., baptise…, and teach..." However, to do this well, we need the Holy Spirit who makes us authentic witnesses (Acts 1:8). In other words, the Holy Spirit equips the church for witnessing/mission. When I say the church, I mean you and I. That is why Jesus promises the disciples saying: when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will become my witnesses. We do not receive the Spirit for safe keep. We receive the Spirit for mission — primarily allowing the Spirit to work in/through us to bring God’s Will to fruition.
Our celebration today reminds us of that fateful day when the Spirit first came upon the church, transforming fearful and timid believers into fearless and bold followers of Jesus. Yes, that is what the Spirit does—renewing strength; reinvigorating faith. In our first reading this Sunday (Acts 2:1-11), Luke tells us that the disciples were all together, waiting for the “power from on high.” Having received the Spirit, they received new strength and they did great things for God.
Every encounter with the Spirit leads to transformation from our former selves to renewed followers of Jesus. Great things happen when we let the transforming power of the Holy Spirit meet us in our doubt, our fears, our thirst, our ordinary road; for then, the Spirit does the changing, the empowerment, and the sending.
Think of the big moments in Scripture, for instance:
• Moses met God in a burning bush and left without his excuses (Exod 3 &4).
• Isaiah cried “I am a man of unclean lips” and was touched by coal — then said “Here I am, send me” (Isa 6:1-8).
• The Samaritan woman came for water and left as a witness (John 4:1-42).
• The Emmaus disciples walked away from Jerusalem sad, but ran back with burning hearts after He broke the bread (Luke 24:13-35)
But did you notice that none of those stories end at the encounter. Moses goes to Pharaoh. Isaiah goes to the people. The woman leaves her water jar and tells the town. The Emmaus disciples cannot even wait until morning — they go back to Jerusalem that night. The disciples behind locked doors burst open the doors and fear gives way to bold witnessing (Acts 2:14-36). In all, fearful hesitation melts before the Spirit of mission.
The goal of Spirit reception was not just Pentecost, not simply to receive the Spirit. Mission was. “As the Father has sent me, so am I sending you” (John 20:21). You will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8); you are to proclaim the message to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8); so, go make disciples, baptise, and teach them (Matt 28:20). The Spirit indeed makes us bearers of the person of Jesus. Through the Spirit’s presence in us, Jesus becomes visible and practical in our lives and choices. We are empowered to share the truth, beauty, and goodness we have received, thus bringing the good news to all contexts of life—family, work, community. Think about it this way:
• If Jesus has forgiven us, who needs our forgiveness?
• If He’s quenched our thirst, who’s thirsty around us?
• If He’s opened our eyes at the Table, who hasn’t been invited yet?
Like the disciples in the upper room in Acts, we gather to be transformed, and we scatter as people sent on mission. St John Paul II said: “If you have met Jesus Christ, proclaim him to the world.” This is the call.
As we commemorate the Spirit’s arrival this 2026 Pentecost, we ask ourselves:
1. Where do I need the Spirit’s transforming presence right now? In my prayer life, in my study of Scripture, in my active presence at the Eucharist, in a particular struggle: forgiveness, love, service? Where? Make it your prayer, and wait…
2. Where is Jesus sending me next? One name, one conversation, one act of service. Keep it simple. Begin small.
Friends, we are not just members of a parish, we are members of the Body of Christ empowered by the Spirit of Christ (Acts 16:7; Rom 8:9). Remember, Pentecost is not simply a historical event but an ongoing personal experience where the Spirit keeps transforming hearts and equipping lives for bold witnessing. We are living stones, transformed by the Spirit and sent to build the Father’s house.
Alleluia! Amen!!
