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Sunday is Pentecost. Ten days ago, on Ascension Day — forty days after Easter — the resurrected Jesus departed from his disciples. They then devoted themselves to prayer as they awaited the promised Holy Spirit. And sure enough, on the next great Jewish festival, Shavuot — celebrated fifty days after Passover (hence the Greek name Pentecost) — the Holy Spirit descended upon the gathered believers.
It is striking that the traditional readings for Shavuot emphasize the giving of the Law at Sinai — the commandments that guide Jewish life — while the Christian celebration of Pentecost marks the giving of the Holy Spirit, who guides and sustains Christian life.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.
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