Faithful at St Paul’s Parish Ntahkekah Nkwen joined Catholics around the world in solemn celebration of Pentecost Sunday, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the birth of the Church’s mission to evangelise.
The liturgical celebration, rich in symbolism and fervent prayer, celebrated by The Reverend Kilian Ndonui, who delivered a homily centred on the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and individual believers. Drawing from the liturgical readings Rev. Ndonui described Pentecost not merely as the beginning of the Church, but rather as its “day of empowerment”.
Throughout his message, Rev. Ndonui challenged parishioners to be open to an encounter with the Holy Spirit, noting that transformation only takes place where openness exists.
“We do everything in church pray, sing, preach, receive the sacraments but still there is no transformation because we close our hearts. When the Holy Spirit comes, it comes for all, but it is received only by those who are open.”
He referenced the experience of the apostles, who, though hidden behind locked doors for fear of persecution, were emboldened after receiving the Holy Spirit and went on to speak boldly in many tongues (Acts 2:4). This empowerment, Rev. Ndonui noted, is available to all Christians today, but it “demands sacrifice, holiness, and preparedness.”
One of the key themes of the homily was the importance of atmosphere in invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit. Citing biblical examples like the apostles gathered in prayer and the miraculous prison break of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25–26).
“The devil creates distractions to pollute the atmosphere. Ninety-nine percent of what happens in our spiritual lives depends on the atmosphere we create.” he said
He encouraged Christians to build personal atmospheres of holiness beyond embracing sacramental life, attending Mass, going to confession, and living in a state of grace.
“How can the Holy Spirit rest in a body engaged in fornication or drunkenness? We must prepare our bodies which is the temple of the Holy Spirit." he added.
In line with the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 731–732), which explains that Pentecost completes the Paschal Mystery by fully revealing the Trinity and inaugurating the age of the Church, Rev. Ndonui urged Christians not to reduce Pentecost to emotional displays such as speaking in tongues.
“I do not expect you to leave church today and speak in tongues but I expect you to speak with love, patience, and service. That is also your language.” he emphasised
He concluded by inviting Christians to be available for the mission of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives, especially during difficult moments.
Pentecost Sunday concludes the Easter season in the Catholic liturgical calendar and ushers the Church into Ordinary Time, a period dedicated to living out the teachings of Christ in daily life.
By Bakah Derick
Hilltopvoices News
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