What is “Pentecost”?
The word “Pentecost” (pronounced PEN-tuh-kost) comes from the Greek word pentekostos which means “fiftieth.” Exactly 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the form of flames of fire.
Why is Pentecost so important?
When Jesus died, the disciples were sad because they thought that their friend and Lord was gone forever. But Jesus rose again! Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus did finally ascend into heaven leaving the disciples below. However, before Jesus actually died, rose again and ascended into heaven, He made a promise to His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to them. He said that the Holy Spirit would come and guide them “into all the truth” (John 16:13). Jesus doesn’t leave us alone to fend for ourselves. Jesus is here with us, and the Holy Spirit guides and leads the Church into the truth of the wonderful Gospel! We celebrate and remember this at Pentecost.