PENTECOST: VIGIL MASS (Cycles A,B,C)*

The confusion of speech and language at the time of the attempt to build a tower to the heavens at Babel is interpreted as God's act to prevent a massed assault on divine sovereignty. This Genesis story is similar to the expulsion from Eden to prevent the first man and woman access to the tree of life. The confusion of languages would be healed only by the of the Holy Spirit when all peoples would understand the good news of revelation through the redemptive actions of Jesus Christ.

In the Exodus passage Moses learns of God's choice of the Israelites as a special people to him. Moses presents this to the elders of the people who agree to do what God expects of them. Moses is then summoned by God a second time for further instruction. He and the people are open to hearing God, and to be instructed in the way of God.

The vision of Ezekiel of the dry bones is a powerful visionary experience. The text plays on the contrast between dry, dead bones and the ruah (wind, breath or spirit) of God. The life restored to the dead dry bones symbolizes a dead Israel's restoration to God's favor, a resurrection of sorts. Alive again with the spirit of God, Israel is once again able to know God's love and care. With the coming of the Spirit of Jesus and his abiding presence in the Church, all people now will have access to the favor and blessings of God.

Through the prophet Joel God promises to pour out his spirit on all mankind , and to work wonders on the earth. The understanding of and appreciation of God's presence by Israel had profound implications for them. Now for all mankind there are profound spiritual implications from the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ in the world. The blessings of one nation are now possible for all nations and peoples.

To any of these readings we respond with verses from Psalm 104. This psalm notes the connectedness of all creation which is dependent on God who created and maintains all of it, human beings and all the rest of creation. The psalm begins and ends with the same exhortation: "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul" (vs. 1 and 35). It notes the majesty of God (vs. 2), his wisdom (vs. 24), his providence (vs. 27), and the acceptance of the good things offered by God (vs. 30). God poured out his Spirit on Israel, and now through the Spirit of Jesus all peoples and nations have access to God's largess.

In the readings from Romans, Paul sets "the longing of believers for salvation within the context of a longing that encompasses the entire universe." Among believers the longing for salvation is stimulated by the presence of the Spirit of Jesus in our midst. Jesus' Spirit helps us in our weakness, intercedes for us, and assist us in the process of discernment.

The gospel passage is very short and points to Jesus as the source of grace ("living waters"). Commentators interpret the living water or grace given by Jesus to be the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the source of the Spirit and the means by which believers experience the spirit.

This evening we anticipate this marvelous gift of the Spirit, Promised by Jesus to remain with us, to teach and guide us.

* ©Resurrection of Lazarus by Herman Falke, scj (CA)