"They were all filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 2:4)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
From frightened disciples to courageous witnesses to the good news of Jesus.
From individuals divided by language to people able to understand each other.
From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
What makes the difference is the gift of the Holy Spirit; breaking down the barriers between people, and leading them to solidarity and community.
A women’s group in Magdalena Medio, Colombia, received a patchwork wall hanging from St. George’s parish in Norwich. The wall hanging was designed by young people from the parish Scout groups and local school and sewn by a group of women in St George’s parish. They all wanted to express their solidarity with the people of Colombia after supporting CAFOD’s peacebuilding project in the area.
Gloria, a member of the parish group, said: “We wish our sisters and brothers in Colombia peace, prayers, love – and more love. We will not forget you.”
Receiving the quilt, the women’s group in Colombia said: “The strength that you are transmitting internationally is giving us strength to continue for another 50 years. “
As we contemplate this mystery, we pray that, in our divided world the Spirit will bring unity and peace. May each of us be open to the other, so God may work through us to fulfil his promise for all creation.
Pray the Our Father.
Pray a Hail Mary on each of the ten beads of the decade.
Pray the Glory Be.
You may also want to add the Fatima invocation