From the Desk of Father Nathan

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people who are all close to my heart

Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.

Pentecost —

The birth of the church

— the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus.

This weekend, the Church celebrates Pentecost which is one of the most important feast days of the year that concludes Easter season and celebrates the beginning of the Church. Pentecost, which we celebrate this Sunday, is the liturgical season after Easter. It celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.

50 Days after the resurrection

Pentecost begins the eighth Sunday, or 50 days after Easter Sunday. The descent of the Holy Spirit ushered in a new era for the people of God. “Pentecost” is from Greek meaning “fiftieth”. The day’s name is derived from the Greek word “pentecost”, meaning 50th . Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the days after His ascension into heaven.

In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room. A “strong driving” wind filled the room where they were gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so they could understand each other.

The Fruits of the Spirit

It was such a strange phenomenon that some people thought the Christians were just drunk – but Peter pointed out that it was early in the morning, and said the phenomenon was caused by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit also gave the apostles the other gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commission – to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations.

It fulfills the New Testament promise from Christ (Luke 24:46-49) that the Apostles would be “clothed with power” before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel.

The “Birthday” of the church

For this reason, Pentecost is considered the birthday of The Church – Happy Birthday to the Church: to Peter the first Pope as he preaches for the first time and converts thousands of new believers. The apostles and believers, now – for the first time, were united by a common language, and a common zeal and purpose to go and preach the Gospel.

He also told the people that the Jesus they crucified is the Lord and was raised from the dead, which “cut them to the heart”. When they asked what they should do, Peter exhorted them to repent of their sins and to be baptized. According to the account in Acts, about 3,000 people were baptized following Peter’s sermon.

Happy Birthday, Holy Mother Church!

God bless you all.
With lots of love and blessings,

Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,

— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan