At the heart of the feast of Pentecost, the gift of tongues occupies a prominent place as a sign of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
The gift of tongues, as described in the Pentecost accounts, consisted of the supernatural ability of the apostles to speak in languages they had not previously learned, enabling people from different regions and cultures to understand the Gospel message in their own language. This event demonstrated the divine presence in the nascent Church and foreshadowed the Church’s call to be a witness to Christ among all nations.
Pentecost, derived from the Greek “pentekoste”, meaning “fiftieth”, is a Christian festival that marks the end of the liturgical period of Easter. Celebrated fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, as narrated in the book of Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.
In the past, Pope Francis affirmed that Pentecost is the “birthday of the Church”, because with the coming of the Holy Spirit it is observed that the Church was born. The Supreme Pontiff during last year’s homily stated “the Spirit is the One who, at the beginning and in all times, transforms created realities from disorder to order, from dispersion to cohesion, from confusion to harmony”. The Pope elaborates “He is the one who gives the world renewed harmony by renewing the earth”, but specifies “not by changing reality, but by harmonizing it; this is His style because He Himself is harmony”.
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The Gift of Tongues in Christian history
In Christian liturgy, the feast of Pentecost represents a key moment in the history of the Church, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the beginning of their mission to bring the Gospel to all nations. This event, narrated in the Acts of the Apostles, is a celebration of the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
In the history of the Church, the gift of tongues has been a continuous gift of the action of the third person of the Blessed Trinity, manifesting itself in different forms throughout the centuries. From the earliest times of Christianity to the present day, there have been numerous testimonies of people who have experienced the ability to communicate in unknown languages to bring the message of the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it.
Pentecost in the Christian liturgy
This celebration marks the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide for the Church. The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in the form of tongues of fire, empowering them with extraordinary gifts to proclaim the Gospel in different languages and cultures.
On this Pentecost, let us remember the gift of tongues as a sign of the continuing action of the Holy Spirit in the Church. May we open our hearts to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to communicate the Gospel to all people, bringing the light of Christ to the farthest corners of the earth.
Let us celebrate Pentecost as a community, remembering the coming of the Holy Spirit and His transformative power in the Church. Participating in the Holy Mass on this day is a concrete way to renew our faith and open ourselves to His gifts.
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What is Celebrated on Pentecost?
The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles is celebrated, fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus. This moment marks the beginning of the Church’s evangelizing mission and is considered the “birthday of the Church”, as it is when its public action in the world began.
When is the Feast of Pentecost?
Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday. The date varies each year, according to the liturgical calendar, but always falls on a Sunday. It is the closing of the Easter season and one of the most important solemnities of the Church.
What Does the Word Pentecost Mean?
The word “Pentecost” comes from the Greek pentekoste, which means “fiftieth”. It refers to the fifty days that pass from Easter to this feast, in which the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples is commemorated.
How is Pentecost Celebrated Today?
In the current liturgy, Pentecost is celebrated with a solemn Mass in which the gift of the Holy Spirit is remembered. Many faithful attend dressed in red, symbolizing the divine fire, and readings and prayers that evoke unity, mission, and spiritual renewal are highlighted.
What Prayer is Said on Pentecost?
A traditional prayer on Pentecost day is the sequence “Come, Holy Spirit”, which is prayed before the Gospel. This prayer implores the presence of the Spirit to renew the hearts of the faithful, grant wisdom, comfort, and ignite faith.
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