At the first Christian Pentecost, 120 disciples of Jesus received the Holy Spirit at 9:00 AM (Acts 1:15; 2:15), and they reached 3,000 people with the gospel that day (see Acts 2:41). The 120 were not only the recipients of Pentecost but also immediate participants in Pentecost. Jesus said that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). At Pentecost, we understand that it is better to receive the Spirit so as to give the Spirit as soon as possible. For example, Mary received the Holy Spirit and conceived Jesus (Lk 1:35). "Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country" to share the Spirit with her cousin, Elizabeth, and the baby she was carrying in her womb (Lk 1:39ff).

St. Boniface, whose feast we celebrate at Mass today, was martyred as he shared the Holy Spirit in preparing people to be confirmed. Like St. Boniface, we need to share the Holy Spirit right now because today may be our last chance. We need Christians who will stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit and join the original 120 who began and continued Pentecost right away. Join in the mission of the 120 now.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001