ACTS 2:1-4
Shavuot is a Jewish holiday, the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, originally celebrating the spring harvest, customarily commemorating the revelation of the Law at Mount Sinai.
Shavuot or Pentecost is a moveable feast, which is celebrated on the 50th day from Easter Sunday.
Pentecost, as the feast is widely known today is from the Greek – pentekoste, the fiftieth day. It is Easter’s “jubilee octave” (that is 7 X 7 + 1). It brings the Easter season to a second climax. Pentecost, therefore, is not an independent feast; it is rather the seal or finale to Easter. It can be likened to that of Epiphany; for Epiphany bears a similar relationship to Christmas as Pentecost does to Easter.
Pentecost marks the actual founding of the Church. On the first Pentecost the Church began to expand. Today she stands before us, vigorous and youthful, ready to continue her earthly pilgrimage that will terminate only with the end of time.
Pentecost also marks the beginning of the work and activity of the Holy Spirit. Before His departure Jesus promised that He would not leave us orphans. He would send the Paraclete, the Comforter, who would teach us all things and remind us of all things. In a most unique way Pentecost is the feast of the Holy Spirit; today His activity in the Church and in the souls of men should impress itself upon us anew.
Happy Shavuot!
