Easter

The sound of Alleluias fills the 50 days of Easter Sunday to Pentecost as we give thanks for the gift of our salvation. The Easter Triduum recalls the passion and resurrection of Christ in the sacred journey from Holy Thursday to Easter Vigil. "Dying he destroyed our death. Rising he restored our life."

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Pentecost Sunday

Reading I : Acts 2:1-11

All were filled with the Holy Spirit.

In the Acts of the Apostles, the story of Pentecost occurs on the fiftieth day after Passover, the day after seven Sabbaths.
The strong wind recalls the might wind that swept over the waters at creation and the breath of life that God blew into the human being.
The tongues of fire at Pentecost symbolize a new call and a new covenant.

Reading II : 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.

In I Corinthians, Paul describes the unity of Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
They are one body, breathing with the same breath.
The gifts of each contribute to the life of the whole.

Gospel : John 20:19-23

As the Father sent me, so I send you.

The Gospel reading portrays the timeless events of Jesus' resurrection and the descent of the Spirit.
Jesus breathes on the disciples, creating them anew, and proclaims the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Filled with the Spirit, the disciples continue to spread new life and remedy the separation caused by sin as they forgive sins.