And when he had said this, Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (Jn 20:22-23)

Pentecost has been called the birthday of the church—in one sense it is, but Pentecost is so much more. The Gift of the Holy Spirit, the very life-breath of the Risen Lord, is a FIRE that transforms a tiny group of frightened disciples into apostles (those who are sent).

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.