Pentecost and Shavuot

Christians observe the Feast of Pentecost today.  As Shavuot marks the passing of time from Passover for Jews, Pentecost follows "fifty days" from Easter.

Although Pentecost seems a "lesser" day on the Christian calendar, the events celebrated are vital to the memory of the Church.  The defining one perhaps was the distribution of "tongues of fire."  This gift was most often entrusted to the prophets.  They were enabled to speak "thus sayeth the Lord."

In a day dominated by mass communication, we still seem unable to converse with one another.  As a "festival of communication," let's ask God to "do it again."  May this Pentecost give to the Church the ability to speak God's message anew with passion and clarity!  Come, Holy Spirit!