Saturday, May 10, 2008 Libre: Pentecost By Mel Libre Seriously Now
THROUGH the years that I reflected on the New Testament of the Bible, I have come to the conclusion that other than the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, two of the most important events in the Catholic faith are the Ascension of Christ and Pentecost Sunday.
The Ascension, as narrated in Acts 1, saw the Son of Man ascend into heaven to be with the Father in the Eternal Kingdom.
"He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." (Act 1:7-9)
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." (John 18:36)
Pentecost is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise when the Holy Spirit descended from heaven and filled the believers and astonished those who were present.
"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (Acts 2:1-4)
For Catholics, it was on Pentecost that the church was established when the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to begin the mission of bringing the Good News to all peoples of the world.
Last year, the Holy Father called for a New Pentecost when he told the youth: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses," encouraging missionaries among the young.
On the Pentecost, the Holy Father said in 2006: "To stay together was the condition laid down by Jesus in order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; the premise of their harmony was prolonged prayer. In this way we are offered a formidable lesson for every Christian community."
The TawagAwit ministry (where I am actively involved), whose mission is to spread God’s Word through music and other acts of love, is going the extra mile to celebrate Pentecost Sunday. We have organized "Singalleluia!" a music celebration featuring some of the finest Filipino music artists who will perform inspirational and gospel songs.
Among the performers are Himig CFC (with Cebuano conductor/arranger Manny Angel) and Anna de Guzman, a jazz pianist/singer who once taught in Ryan Cayabyab Music School. TawagAwit Choir and its members will render original gospel-inspired songs.
I composed a song especially for the event entitled, "Sing Alleluia!" The lyrics follow:
(Chorus) “Sing, sing Alleluia!/Sing, sing Alleluia!// 1. Believers gathered all around/ They heard a noise from the sky/ Like a strong wind blowing/ Filling the house where they were sitting/ Chorus//
“2. Tongues of fire spreading out/ Touching each believer present/ They were filled with the Holy Spirit/ Began to speak in different languages/ Chorus//
“3. We are gathered all as one/ Praising the Lord Almighty/ Let us share His endless love/ In all the corners of the world/ Chorus//
“4. The Holy Spirit is with us/ He comes and fills our longing hearts/ With Christ’s wonderful saving grace/ Let us be His true disciples// Chorus.”
