Pentecost sees the completion of Jesus’ own work as now He hands over that work to the Church. In order that His work continue He sends the Holy Spirit on His disciples gathered together in prayer and at that moment the Church is born and His work continues.  At Pentecost, the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring others to know Christ and to bring Christ to others.  On receiving the Holy Spirit, they went out and proclaimed the risen Jesus.  Pilgrims were in Jerusalem from all over the world and they heard the apostles’ proclamation in their own languages.  The disciples were now apostles!  The learners, the disciples, had been empowered and were sent out by the Holy Spirit as apostles.   When we were confirmed, we too received this same power, this working of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the risen Jesus.  Just as Baptism can be called our own personal Easter, so Confirmation can be called our own personal Pentecost.  Today let us ask ourselves how have we engaged with this great gift?  How have we allowed the Spirit to work through us?  How have we brought Christ to others and others to Christ?  Come Holy Spirit!

           … and You will renew the face of the earth!