Solemnity of Pentecost (A)

May 31, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Acts 2: 1-11

Psalm 104 “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-7, 12-13

Gospel reading according to John 20: 19-23

+

Homily:

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the dimples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came ad stood in their midst and said to them, ‵Peace be with you′.” (John 20: 19).

“When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.  The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord” (John 20: 20).

“Jesus said to them again, ‵Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, so I send yon′.”  (John 20: 21).

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‵Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them and who sins you retain are retained′.” (John 20: 22-23).

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

O Holy Spirit, most merciful Comforter: You proceed from the Father in a manner beyond our understanding. Come, I beseech You, and take up your abode in my heart. Purify and cleanse me from all sin, and sanctify my soul. Cleanse it from every impurity, water its dryness, melt its coldness, and save it from its sinful ways. Make me truly humble and resigned, that I may be pleasing to You, and that You might abide with me forever. Most Blessed Light, most Amiable Light, enlighten me. O Rapturous Joy of Paradise, Fount of Purest Delight, My God, give yourself to me and kindle in my innermost soul the fire of Your love. My Lord, instruct, direct, and defend me in all things. Give me strength against all immoderate fears and against despondency. Bestow upon me a true faith, a firm hope, and a sincere and a perfect love. Grant that I always do Thy Most Gracious Will. Amen. (By Saint Antiochus)