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The first reading on this great feast tells how Jesus' followers, bereft of their leader, were in Jerusalem for the Jewish pilgrimage feast of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover. As many Jews as possible would have made the journey to Jerusalem to give thanks at the Temple for the barley harvest. As Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit came upon the company of disciples with great power and they found themselves impelled to proclaim the Gospel so that all could understand.

The manifestation of God in the form of wind and fire has its roots in the Hebrew experience. The revelation on Mount Sinai is accompanied by great noise, fire and smoke. The "Spirit" in Jewish thought is often linked with the power and breath of God entering a person enabling him or her to live with the strength of God's life. Today's psalm speaks of the life-giving aspects of the Spirit and St Paul's letter to the people of Corinth emphasises the gifts the Spirit brings to the whole community.

In the Gospel passage John uniquely places the coming of the Spirit with the first Easter night when he gives them his peace, the breath of the Spirit and a commission to pronounce forgiveness of sins.

This week you are invited to allow the Spirit to enter into your life and fill you with gifts. Do you recognise your gifts? Will you allow the Spirit to empower you to use your gifts for the good of the whole community?

Use the response to the psalm as a mantra this week, "Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth."