June 8, 2025 – Thoughts for Pentecost Sunday

Dear friends of the Prayer Atelier,

 

Pentecost – the feast of the Holy Spirit. Many people know Christmas or Easter better, but Pentecost is a key moment in our faith: God comes into our world – and into our hearts – through His Spirit. Let us listen to the three Bible readings for this Sunday and discover what this message means for our lives today.

 

1. God’s Spirit breaks boundaries (Acts 2:1–11)

The first Pentecost was a powerful and dramatic moment: a sound like a storm, flames of fire, and people began speaking in foreign languages. What was happening? God's Spirit came into the world in a new way.

One important detail: The disciples spoke in foreign tongues, and people from all over the world understood them – each in their own language. This is a powerful sign: God’s Spirit connects people across languages and cultures.

Example: In a church in Scandinavia, a Christian woman suddenly began speaking in a language she didn’t know during a worship evening. A woman from Eritrea who was there was deeply touched – it was a psalm in her native language. Both were overwhelmed. The Holy Spirit surprises – but never forces. He breaks down walls in a healing way.

> “We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” (Acts 2:11)

In our diverse world, where people often focus on differences, the miracle of Pentecost is a call to unity in diversity.

 

2. A Spirit who brings life (Romans 8:8–17)

Paul is clear: If we live only by human desires ("the flesh"), we miss out on the life God wants to give us. But if we follow the Spirit of God, we experience true life – now and forever.

The Spirit is not just a mystical power, but God’s living presence in us. Paul says: We are not slaves, but children of God. We can say: “Abba, Father!” – like children who trust their father completely.

Example: A man in a church shared how prayer and spiritual support helped him overcome his alcohol addiction.

He said: “For many years I was afraid of myself. Now I feel like I’m born again.”

Another story comes from church in southern Germany: A woman with deep anxiety said that while praying for the Holy Spirit, she received peace in her heart. Since then, she has slowly become free – through prayer, fellowship, and reading the Bible.

There are also similar stories in the Catholic world: At a gathering of the "Emmanuel Community," a young person shared how he felt great joy during worship, and his long-lasting fears suddenly left him. He called it an “inner ray of light” that changed his heart.

> “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” (Romans 8:16)

Catholic saints also speak about the work of the Holy Spirit. Saint Teresa of Ávila wrote about a sudden inner fire and clarity she experienced during prayer – moments she linked to the Spirit of God.

Saint Philip Neri was known for his deep connection to the Holy Spirit. Witnesses said his heart would beat strongly during prayer, and his chest even physically expanded – which he described as an experience of divine love.

The Holy Spirit renews our inner life – He comforts, corrects, gives life, and heals.

 

3. The Helper who teaches us (John 14:15–16,23b–26)

Jesus speaks of the “Helper” – the Holy Spirit – whom the Father will send. This Spirit will stay with us, teach us, and remind us of Jesus’ words.

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a companion. Not a judge, not a controller. But a teacher, comforter, and advocate. Someone who stays with us, especially in difficult times.

Example: In a church in Berlin, a young woman shared that during a prayer night, she suddenly had deep inner clarity. She realized she needed to make a new career choice. Later she said: “It felt like someone had sorted out my heart.”

> “The Helper […] will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

 

The Holy Spirit helps us follow Jesus. He doesn’t replace Jesus – He brings Jesus’ presence into our lives.

 

4. One message: The Holy Spirit builds relationships

All three Bible readings are about relationships:

 

The Holy Spirit connects people (Acts)

The Holy Spirit makes us children of God (Romans).

The Holy Spirit brings us into lasting fellowship with Jesus (John).

Pentecost means not only that God’s Spirit comes – but that God’s Spirit stays. He lives in us. And this is not just a mystical experience for special people – it’s a promise for all who are baptized.

 

5. A Call: Let yourself be led by the Spirit of God

 Dear friends, Pentecost is not just a memory of a past miracle – it is a wake-up call: Live by the Spirit! Be open to His work in your everyday life. Maybe not always through fire or foreign languages – but through gentle thoughts, courage to make a call, or strength to forgive.

 The Holy Spirit is God’s “now” in our lives. Let Him lead you, comfort you, and inspire you.

 

6. Final Prayer

 “Holy Spirit, come into our hearts. Make us aware of God’s presence. Give us courage to change, strength in weakness, and joy in our faith.

Help us build bridges, bring peace, and be witnesses of your love. Amen.”

 

7. Sources (Chicago Style):

1. The Bible. New Standard Translation. Freiburg: Herder, 2016.

2. Wächter, Claudia. Spirit-Moved: Experiences with the Holy Spirit. Holzgerlingen: SCM Hänssler, 2021, pp. 114–115.

3. Wülfing, Joshua. Living Pentecost: Everyday Life and New Beginnings with the Holy Spirit. Basel: Brunnen Verlag, 2020, pp. 88–89.

4. Ibid., pp. 102–103.

5. Wächter, Claudia. Spirit-Moved.

6. Emmanuel Community. “Testimonies,” in: Spirit-Moved Europe. Munich: Verlag Neue Stadt, 2019, pp. 74–75.

7. Teresa of Ávila. The Book of My Life. Würzburg: Echter Verlag, 2014, pp. 155–158;

Türks, Paul. Philip Neri: A Saint for the Heart. Augsburg: Sankt Ulrich Verlag, 2007, pp. 122–124.

8. Vatican News. “Daily Gospel and Liturgy, Pentecost Sunday 2025.”

https://www.vaticannews.va/de/tagesevangelium-und-tagesliturgie/2025/06/08.html

9. Bibleserver.de. https://www.bibleserver.de  (accessed May 18, 2025).