Monday,
4/6/15
Let me
point out something about the last sentence in our first reading which was a
speech Peter made to the crowds on Pentecost. The Apostles had been in hiding,
dreading a crucifixion like the one meted to Jesus. But, then, after being possessed
by the Holy Spirit, they became men enriched with strength and eloquence.
Pentecost
is not just a Christian feast. It was the fiftieth day after the first Passover
eaten in Egypt thirteen centuries in the past. It was also the day when,
arrived at Mount Sinai, the people made their covenant with God, becoming his
people. So on Pentecost the streets of Jerusalem were crowded with Jews from
all over the Mediterranean world, come to celebrate their great Jewish feast.
All of
those people were wondering about how each of them was able to understand the
speech of the Apostles as though it were being delivered in seven different
languages at once. They also wondered at the sudden boldness and eloquence of
those simple fishermen from Galilee.
Peter
gave a lengthy speech, explaining what had come over the Apostles. Peter reminded
everyone of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Then he uttered that great last
sentence: “Exalted at the right hand of God, he poured out the promised Spirit
on us.”
He said
that when Jesus in death was lifted up to the Father, he received the Spirit
that had been promised; and then proceeded to pour it out on the Apostles.
In his
lifetime Jesus was led about by the Spirit, but he was not in possession of the
Spirit. He could not bestow it on others. Remember that time in Chapter Six of
John’s Gospel when the crowds were deserting him, and he asked the Apostles if
they would leave him too. If they had left he would have had to watch them go,
because he had not the power to put the Spirit in them. He had no way for
changing their minds.
But as a
reward for his heroic death he received what had been promised him: namely, the
right to give the Spirit to whomever he wished.
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