The book of Acts begins with the disciples Jesus had chosen being taught and given instructions by him, ‘through the Holy Spirit’ in the forty days after his resurrection (Acts 1:2), ordering them: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised ... For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 1:4-5).

After the Ascension they went back to Jerusalem where they gathered in the room where they stayed. There the eleven were joined in constant prayer by ‘the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers’ (Acts 1:14). Peter seems to have been involved in preaching at this time because he reminds the believers who had joined them (about 120) that they needed to sort out the particular issue of replacing Judas in the apostolic ministry. And so in a real example of synodality and trust in the Holy Spirit, they prayed over two candidates and then by casting lots elected Matthias to join the eleven.

You might want to ask why have I focussed on the previous chapter to our first reading from Acts 2? It’s quite simple: background and context. The descent of the Holy Spirit is not simply a one off, new, immediate experience, but has been prepared for by prayer, listening to the Scriptures, teaching and community love. They are all aware of the Spirit, particularly in the ministry and mission of Jesus and understand the Spirit’s work as intimately connected with him: ‘Exalted to the right hand of God, [Jesus] has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear’ (Acts 2:33).

These insights, that Pentecost was prepared for by various ways, spiritual, educational and in community, see Pentecost for what it still is, a gift that breaks down all distinctions save that of being children of the Most High, shaking us out of complacency and entrenched positions. Pentecost is filled with the sound of the Spirit tearing down barriers and firing us up in that burning love which Christ wants for those who follow him. It is significant and important that we realise the Good News is heard not in any sacral language but in many languages. (Acts 2:11b) This is also a reminder that, despite our attempts to conform the Spirit to what we might want the Church to be, the Spirit will help the Kingdom of God to burst through our structures and lead us to true freedom and equality as the children of God.

Paul builds on this vision of freedom and equality, insistent that the many gifts of the Spirit are all equally important. This is something I need to remind myself about as I exercise ministry as a priest. I am asked to be a good servant of the Lord – and to try and be like him for others. But that does not give me any special holiness or superiority. Paul helps me understand there are many great and holy women and men I shall meet in my life who can show me the humble and contrite heart I ought to possess. They are eloquent by their humility: pouring out on others, and on me, their particular charisms of faith, hope and love. Paul also reminds us that the Spirit’s gifts are diverse. Our ministries are different and our activities varied, but that is the richness and excitement of belonging to the Church, united in the one body of Christ and needing each other.

But all these gifts depend on our willingness to be true disciples of the Lord Jesus and our openness to the wonders put before us. To become Spirit-filled Christ-bearers is also to take the risk of allowing the workings of grace to enter into our inner selves, and that is difficult. To receive Christ’s peace is also to be sent (John 20:21).

This is something at the heart of Pope Francis’ vision of synodality: that all of us are equally important in the mission and ministry of proclaiming the Kingdom. To do all these things we need the loving mercy of our God and the help of the Spirit. So reconciliation cannot be limited to its sacramental expression, important though this is. We also have to be brave and extend forgiveness to others in the daily round of our lives. Before I offer my gift, before I celebrate the liturgy, I must also reconcile with my sister and brother and ask for their forgiveness as I hope to be forgiven myself. That is the real unending gift of faith and hope in Christ’s merciful love. The continual outpouring of those three gifts of the Spirit we cannot do without is at the heart of Pentecost! Come Holy Spirit!