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Pentecost Jesus is the Super-Coach. He appears to a scared and motley mob of wannabe disciples, goodhearted but confused, still unsure about the game plan; gives them a pep talk, breathes the Holy Spirit into them and they burst out, transformed into Christ’s church. (Acts 2:1-11/ 1 Cor 12:3-13/ Jn 20:19-23)
“Peace be with you,” he says, sending his team out, not to rest on a quiet, palm fringed, beach, but to bold, courageous proclamation of the Word. His is a deeper, more lasting peace. Peace in the surety of God’s love and the ability to deal with whatever the world throws at them. Jesus’ directive spreads the apostles to the corners of the known world and beyond. They and many of the first followers of the Way (Christians) will be despised, persecuted, tortured, and executed, but we are believers today because of them.
Jesus has a mission for them, and the Holy Spirit empowers them with authority, equipment, and a plan of action. They enthusiastically erupt out of the “change room”, preaching fearlessly as they begin their mission!
Pope Francis encapsulates the experience: “Spirit-filled evangelisers means evangelisers fearlessly open to the working of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the Spirit made the apostles go forth from themselves and turned them into heralds of God’s wondrous deeds, capable of speaking to each person in his or her own language. The Holy Spirit also grants the courage to proclaim the newness of the Gospel with boldness in every time and place, even when it meets with opposition.
Let us call upon him today, firmly rooted in prayer, for without prayer all our activity risks being fruitless and our message empty. Jesus wants evangelisers who proclaim the good news not only with words, but, above all, by a life transfigured by God’s presence.” (Evangelii Gaudium p183).
