At the first Christian Pentecost, 120 disciples of Jesus received the Holy Spirit at 9:00 AM (Acts 1:15; 2:15). They reached 3,000 people with the Gospel that day (see Acts 2:41). The 120 were not only the recipients of Pentecost but also immediate participants in Pentecost. Jesus said that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
At Pentecost, we understand that it is better to receive the Spirit so as to give the Spirit as soon as possible. For example, Mary received the Holy Spirit and conceived Jesus (Lk 1:35). "Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country" to share the Spirit, and the Baby she was carrying in her womb (Lk 1:39ff), with her cousin, Elizabeth.
St. Boniface, whose feast we celebrate at Mass today, was martyred as he shared the Holy Spirit in preparing people to be confirmed. Like St. Boniface, we need to share the Holy Spirit right now because today may be our last chance. We need Christians who will stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit and join the original 120 who began and continued Pentecost without delay. Join in the mission of the 120 now.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I move in the Spirit. |
| PROMISE: | "When people rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but live like angels in heaven." –Mk 12:25 |
| PRAISE: | St. Boniface devoted his life to converting the German people from paganism to Christianity. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College