Language that Everyone Understands!

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

Homily for the Solemnity of the Pentecost

St. Mary of Assumption Church, Whittier, California

June 3, 2017

During the earthly ministry of Jesus, he had access to the secret thoughts of people. He had power over the forces of nature—he walked on a sea and calmed a raging storm. He had dominion over demons and evil spirits. He healed so many who were ill, brought abundant of joy to them and to the members of their family. When Satan tempted him with pleasure, power and fame, (things that we crave for) Jesus floored him. His uncommon miraculous actions amazed his disciples that in one occasion they asked, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41). If Jesus accomplished all these in his human form, it there means he can never be limited by the ordinary categories of time and space in his Risen and glorified nature. If he walked on the sea in human form, he can make an entire sea disappear in his Risen nature. If he turned water into wine, multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a multitude in human form, then he can do much more in Risen form. By his resurrection, Jesus conquered death and took an overwhelming authority and power over the earth and heaven: “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). As such, not even walls, or prisons, or the most fortified military zone can limit his entrances or exits. So, while the disciples were in a locked up room, fearful of the Jewish authority who had crucified their Master, Jesus joined the gathering by overcoming the limitation of time and space. Standing in their midst, he gave them gifts that they will need to fulfill the mission he has given to them. 

The first gift he gave them is that of peace: “Peace be with you.” His peace is much more than the absence of war or conflict. His peace is a blessing of health, wholeness, perfect harmony, serenity, and everything good. Jesus’ peace is the blessing of perfect assurance that he would be with us until the end of the age. His peace is deeper, more profound, more durable and more powerful than the kind of peace that the United Nations pursue. It’s peace, perfect peace! Peace from inside out, made possible, not by military might or comfort zone, but by the Lord. This peace is achieved and attained not by weapons and arms, but by knowing, loving, serving the Lord, connecting with him daily through prayer and keeping his commands. Even in jail, one can have the peace of Jesus Christ. In times of difficulty, this peace is still possible. His peace can never be vanquished or expelled by lack or poverty, and material surplus or abundance is not what obtains it. It’s Jesus’ gift, freely given to those who maintain an ongoing and steady relationship with him. Along with peace, Jesus gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the Eucharist and the Holy Spirit, he fulfills his promise, “Behold, I am with you until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). 

Today, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early followers of Jesus. Before this event took place, Jesus had followers, but there was no movement that could meaningfully be called the church. So, from a historical perspective, Pentecost is the day that the church was started. It is also true from a spiritual point of view, because the Spirit is the One that brings the church into existence and also inspires it. In summary, Pentecost is the birthday of the church. 

Now, what actually happened to the disciples on the day of Pentecost? The account of this event is recorded in today’s first reading taken from Acts 2:1-11. It says that on the day of Pentecost, the early disciples were all together in one place. All of a sudden, a sound came from heaven, like a strong wind, and filled the house where the disciples had gathered together. Then something like tongues of fire rested on their heads. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” The languages spoken by these early Christians were heard and understood by thousands of Jewish pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate a Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Weeks (Shavuot in Hebrew). Originally, this feast was a harvest festival (Exodus 23:16); later, it became a day to remember the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. This day became significant for us Christians because, seven weeks after the resurrection of the Lord, the Holy Spirit was given to the early followers of Jesus, empowered them for the mission and also brought them together as a church.

Sisters and brothers, as we celebrate the birth of the Church, let us, just like the early church, speak a language that will be heard and understood by all. This language can be heard and understood by those who speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Dutch, French etc. Regardless of what language a person speaks, this language can be heard and understood by all and sundry. Some of you may be wondering already, “What kind of language is that?” Folks, it is the language of love. It can be understood by those who talk and those who don’t. It can be understood by those who hear and those who don’t. It can be understood by those who see, and those who don’t. It can be understood by all God’s people everywhere in the world. In many occasions, we don’t even have to say it. We just have to show it. The language of love is what makes possible, the third gift that Jesus gave to his disciples— power to forgive sins. Throughout his lifetime, Jesus repeatedly offered the gift of forgiveness. Due to his immense love for all God’s children, he empowered his disciples to forgive, not only people of their generation, but generations after. If the Lord is ready to go this length to forgive us, we must be ready to forgive others. Forgiveness is made easier and possible by the language of love.

Happy Pentecost Sunday!