As we bring this Easter season to a close on Pentecost, we recognize the power of the Holy Spirit as it gave birth to the Church and changed the world forevermore.

Luke describes the descent of the Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles by first acknowledging sound. It was noisy! A strong, driving wind filled the house. While normally we say we can’t see the wind, we can feel it as well as see the effects of it. Can you imagine the surprise those gathered in the house must have experienced when they could hear, feel and see this powerful wind inside of a locked building? But the Holy Spirit didn’t stop there. Next there were “tongues as of fire” that split and rested above the head of each person in attendance. Now they could see the manifestation of the Spirit. In response, those present started speaking in different tongues, or languages. The noise of the wind transformed into the cacophony of languages. (Acts 2:1-11)

According to Merriam-Webster, there are 12 definitions for the word tongue. I find it fascinating that two of those uses are mentioned in the Pentecost account. In reading through the definitions, many have similarities because of the resemblance to the body part or its function. When you think of a tongue of fire, it seems like it has a rounded portion, but so does the tongue of a shoe. A person may stick out their tongue for various reasons, yet in carpentry, that extension fits into a grove to become a secure joint. While a tongue is necessary for a human to consume food, it is also required for speaking. Perhaps it is due to its function in speech that allows the word to be used to describe different languages. Tongues were definitely wagging that Pentecost, as the account in Acts described how the various visitors to Jerusalem were astonished to hear the men from Galilee speaking in the various languages of the people. 

While the Holy Spirit enabled the Apostles to speak in the various languages, He first had to embolden them to speak about their time with Jesus. While the tongue of fire may have rested above their heads, it was their hearts and souls that were filled — or should I say burned— with the Holy Spirit. While the Mass readings focus on the Apostles receiving the Holy Spirit, one would do well to read the speech that Peter gave after receiving the gift (Acts 2:14-41). Peter just doesn’t tell the people to be nice to one another or to be good people. No, he uses scripture passages from Joel and David to explain what is happening. He doesn’t mince words, but bluntly says of Jesus, “This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.” As Christians, we continue to be heralds and boldly proclaim Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. Just as Peter exhorted those listening to repent and be baptized, so too are we called to repent, that is to turn away from sin and our own selfish desires of control and to live our baptism as a child of God. 

Pentecost may conclude the Easter season, but its message extends throughout the liturgical year and into our daily lives. In all our choices across all our days, we preach Jesus in our words and actions, seeking a relationship with Him here on earth so that we will be ready for an eternity with Him.