Pentecost Year B

• First Reading - Acts 2:1-11: During Pentecost, disciples filled with the Holy Spirit spoke in various languages, astounding the diverse crowd in Jerusalem, as each heard the wonders of God in their own tongue.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 104: I praise the immensely great Lord, filled with awe at His varied creations. I rejoice in Him, knowing He renews the earth, giving and recalling life with His Spirit.
• Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 12:3B-7, 12-13: No one can say "Jesus is Lord" without the Holy Spirit. Diverse spiritual gifts, services, and functions come from one Spirit, uniting us as Christ's body, transcending all divisions.
• Alternate Second Reading - Galatians 5:16-25: Live guided by the Spirit, not the flesh's desires which oppose the Spirit. The flesh's acts are clear, but the Spirit's fruit brings virtues like love and self-control. In Christ, we overcome fleshly desires, walking in the Spirit's harmony.
• Gospel - John 20:19-23: On the evening following his resurrection, Jesus miraculously appeared to his disciples, who were hiding in fear. He greeted them with a message of peace and showed them his crucifixion wounds. Their fear turned to joy. Jesus then empowered them with the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive sins.
• Alternate Gospel - John 15:26-27; 16:12-15: Jesus promised his disciples the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, sent from the Father, would testify about Him and guide them into all truth. The Spirit, speaking not independently but from Jesus' teachings, will disclose future events and glorify Jesus, revealing the deep truths that belong to both Jesus and the Father.

The readings for the Pentecost Year B clearly tell us that we need to be willing to receive the Holy Spirit and then use the gifts we receive. In the first reading we hear how the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and empowered them to share the gospel with people from different nations. The second reading tells us that it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to proclaim the gospel in unity. In the gospel Jesus breathes on his followers and enables them to forgive sins.

Pentecost Year B marks a crucial event in the Christian calendar, celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles. Here are some key themes from the readings of this day:

• Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit descends on the disciples, enabling them to speak in diverse languages. This highlights the Spirit's role in empowering believers to communicate God's wonders universally.
• Living by the Spirit: Paul encourages living according to the Spirit, not the desires of the flesh. This contrast shows the transformation and guidance provided by the Spirit, leading to a life of virtue.
• Role of the Advocate: Jesus promises the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, who will testify about Him and guide the disciples into all truth. This points to the Spirit’s role in continuing Jesus' mission and revealing divine truths.
• Unity and diversity: The event of Pentecost illustrates the coming together of diverse peoples through the power of the Holy Spirit. It celebrates both unity and diversity within the Church.
• Fruits of the Spirit: The reading from Galatians lists the fruits of living in the Spirit, like love, joy, and peace. These qualities are marks of a Christian life deeply rooted in the Spirit.

The themes for Pentecost Year B guide believers in understanding their role in the Church and the wider world.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for Pentecost Year B.

What Moves You? – Discussion and Reflection Questions

This reflection helps young people think about how the Holy Spirit works in their lives. It is designed for Pentecost and is based on John 20:19-23, a Gospel reading option for Pentecost Year B. The questions encourage discussion on recognizing the Holy Spirit's influence and actions. This is a chance for youth to reflect on their experiences and feelings related to the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance.

Why Is Everyone Wearing Red?

Jeff Cavins explains Pentecost as a significant event where believers wear red symbolizing the Holy Spirit's flame. He highlights Pentecost's role in teaching new believers about Jesus's kingdom through the Spirit's power. Cavins mentions the early Church's expansion strategy outlined in the readings for Pentecost Year B, emphasizing that only through the Holy Spirit can the Gospel spread effectively. He connects this with the sacrament of Confirmation, which empowers believers to be Christ’s witnesses. Cavins stresses the importance of understanding and living out the Holy Spirit’s power in our daily lives, witnessing through signs and wonders that attract and transform others.

Walking According to the Spirit

Bishop Robert Barron discusses Galatians 5 in his homily for Pentecost Year B. He explains that Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the works of the Spirit. The "flesh" refers to sin and the "spirit" to actions of love. Bishop Barron emphasizes that sins, especially sexual sins, are serious and contrast them with the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, and self-control. He encourages the faithful to embrace these virtues, showing that the Holy Spirit leads us to unity and love, opposing division and selfishness.

A New Wind

Scott Hahn reflects on Pentecost Year B as the fulfillment of God’s mighty acts in salvation history. He describes how the Jewish feast of Pentecost, originally a celebration of the covenant with Moses, is fulfilled through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Mary and the Apostles. This Spirit, which is the breath of the Father and brings life, is not written on stone but on the hearts of believers. It renews the earth, creates a new humanity, and is received through the sacraments, transforming us into a new creation united across all distinctions.

What “Unity in Diversity” Actually Means

In his homily for Pentecost Year B, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Holy Spirit as the solution to the philosophical dilemma of unity versus diversity. He relates this to the biblical story of Babel, where unity was misused for self-glorification. Contrarily, at Pentecost, diverse languages and cultures come together under one unified purpose through the Holy Spirit. Bishop Barron highlights that the Holy Spirit allows for unity in diversity, respecting individual differences while bringing people together in a common purpose, exemplified in the church and events like World Youth Day.

Pentecost Year B is a time in the Church when we remember how the Holy Spirit came to the disciples. This event transformed them and gave them the power to spread God's word. It reminds us that the same Spirit is present in our lives today. The Holy Spirit gives us courage, helps us remember God's presence, and calls us to live as witnesses of God’s love.

The Gift of Courage

Through the Spirit, God breathes life into us. He gives us the courage to speak His message to the world. He gives us strength to be prophets. He inspires us to comfort those in need of care. This transformation is especially clear on Pentecost.

Initially, the disciples were scared and hidden. But when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they were changed. They spoke boldly about Jesus, even in the face of danger. This courage comes from knowing that we are not alone. God’s Spirit lives within us. We share in the relationship between the Father and the Son. This unity gives us the strength to carry out our mission.

Remembering God’s Presence

It is easy to forget that God dwells within us, especially when we face challenges or feel alone. This is why it is important to pray for the Holy Spirit to stir within us again. We need to experience moments of intense realization that God is in us.

These moments are powerful. They remind us of His love and presence. Remembering these times helps us in tough situations. We remember that God is with us, and we find the strength to continue. Our faith grows stronger each time we recall these experiences.

Living as Witnesses

The Holy Spirit calls us to be active witnesses in the world. This means living out the love and truth of the Gospel every day. We show God’s love through our actions and how we treat others. Each act of kindness or moment of truth-telling is a reflection of God’s love. We are not just telling others about Jesus; we are showing them His love in action.

This can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. As we live out our faith, we inspire others to seek God. We become lights in the world, guided by the Holy Spirit.

On Pentecost Year B, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. We remember the courage He gives us to speak God’s word and live out His love. We remind ourselves to seek His presence in our lives, especially when we feel alone or afraid. And we commit to being His witnesses in the world, living out the Gospel in our actions and relationships. Let us embrace the Spirit’s power within us, and let us share His love with everyone we meet.

• Courage to Speak: When have you felt the Holy Spirit giving you the courage to speak about your faith? How did you respond?
• Presence of God: Can you recall a moment when you strongly felt God's presence through the Holy Spirit? How did that experience change your outlook or actions?
• Daily Witness: What are some ways you can show God’s love through your actions every day? How can you be a witness of the Gospel in your daily life?
• Prayer for the Spirit: How often do you pray for the Holy Spirit to stir within you? What specific gifts of the Spirit do you seek most in your life right now?
• Remembering Spiritual Experiences: How can you better hold onto and remember your experiences of the Holy Spirit? Why is it important to keep these memories alive in your faith journey?

For Pentecost Year B, music choices can reflect the power and diversity of the Holy Spirit. By including songs from different genres, the music can show how the Holy Spirit brought people together, just like in the story of Pentecost when the apostles spoke many languages. Mixing traditional hymns with modern Christian songs and adding gospel music can make the service lively and welcoming for everyone. This mix helps celebrate how the Church reaches all kinds of people everywhere.

• All That We Have Seen
• Burning In My Soul
• Come Holy Ghost Creator Blest
• Come O Holy Spirit (Pentecost Sequence)
• Come Holy Spirit
• Creator Spirit By Whose Aid
• Forth in the Peace of Christ We Go
• Holy Spirit
• Holy Spirit Come Now
• Lord Send Out Your Spirit
• Many and One
• Oceans
• Send Forth Your Spirit O Lord
• Sent Forth by God's Blessing
• Set a Fire
• Shine Jesus Shine
• Soul On Fire
• Spirit of the Living God
• The Spirit Sends Us Forth
• Veni Creator Spiritus
• With One Voice

Songs about renewal and the Holy Spirit's power are the focus for Pentecost Year B. Music that feels refreshing or powerful can help people feel the Holy Spirit's presence. Including slow and fast songs in the service can show the gentle and strong sides of the Holy Spirit. Choosing a variety of music helps make the service meaningful by connecting the idea of unity and diversity. This makes the celebration of Pentecost special, showing how the Holy Spirit brings people together and sends them out to share God's love.

What date is Pentecost Year B?

The next date is Sunday May 19, 2024.
For other years see the links below:
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A: Sunday February 8, 2026
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C: Sunday February 9, 2025

What are the Mass readings for Pentecost Year B?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday May 19, 2024 are:
First Reading - Acts 2:1-11: Pentecost's Miraculous Languages
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 104: Celebrating God's Creations
Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 12:3B-7, 12-13: Unity Through the Spirit's Gifts
Alternate Second Reading - Galatians 5:16-25: Living by the Spirit
Gospel - John 20:19-23: Jesus' Post-Resurrection Visit
Alternate Gospel - John 15:26-27; 16:12-15: Promise of the Holy Spirit

What happens in the First Reading on Pentecost Year B?

During Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:1-11, the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit and start speaking in various languages. This amazes the people in Jerusalem because everyone hears them in their own language.

What is the main message of the Second Reading for Pentecost Year B?

The Second Reading from Galatians 5:16-25 teaches us to live by the Spirit and not follow our selfish desires. It lists the bad outcomes of living selfishly and the good qualities, like love and self-control, that come from following the Spirit.

What does Jesus promise about the Holy Spirit in the Gospel for Pentecost Year B?

In the Gospel from John 15:26-27 and 16:12-15, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will come from the Father to testify about Him and guide the disciples into all truth. The Spirit will also reveal future events and bring glory to Jesus by showing His deep connection with the Father.

How do people react to the disciples speaking in different languages on Pentecost?

The crowd in Jerusalem is surprised and confused because each person hears the disciples speaking about God's wonders in their own language.

What are the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in the Second Reading for Pentecost Year B?

The fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Why is the Holy Spirit referred to as the Advocate in the Gospel?

The Holy Spirit is called the Advocate because He helps, supports, and guides the believers in Jesus' teachings and truth, much like a helper or counselor would.

What impact does the Holy Spirit have on the disciples at Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to speak different languages and boldly share the message of Jesus, effectively starting the Church's mission to spread the Gospel around the world.

What is the significance of the Holy Spirit's gifts at Pentecost?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit, like speaking in tongues and prophesying, show God's power and presence in the Church, helping to unite different people under one faith in Christ.