O God, who this day hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be always truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation.
Today we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, birthday of the Catholic Church. Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ. Pentecost was originally a Jewish feast, celebrating the giving of the Law fifty days after the killing of the paschal lamb (cf. Ex. 31:18). The Church Fathers saw a deep connection between the giving of the old Law and the coming of the Holy Spirit at the new Pentecost, fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ.
At the Christian Pentecost, the promise of Christ that
“the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name … will teach you all things and bring all things to your mind”
is fulfilled. Before this coming, the apostles were cowering in fear, afraid that they would meet the same fate as their master. But after Pentecost and led by St. Peter, they boldly proclaimed the truth of Christ’s Resurrection in spite of persecution. The old Law, written on stone, had no power to change hearts; it only revealed the depths of human depravity and our need for a Savior. But the coming of the Holy Spirit writes a new law in the hearts of Christ’s followers, as prophesied by Ezekiel centuries before the time of Christ (cf. Ez. 36:26).
The promise of Pentecost is not just in the past — it is given to every Catholic at his Confirmation. In that sacramental mystery, we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit and are given His gifts; we no longer need to cower in fear, but can proclaim that
“Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:11)