This is the day that the Holy
Spirit descended upon the apostles. That means the Guru's
(Jesus') energy was transferred to His disciples on this day. Since
this wonderful occurrence happened fifty days after Easter*, it is
called Pentecost, which means fiftieth day in Greek. This year,
Pentecost Sunday falls on May 19.
Significance and historical perspective
Before Jesus Christ renounced His body, He had instructed
His followers to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Fifty days
after Jesus' renunciation of the body, His mother and family, the
twelve apostles, and several other disciples had gathered together
in Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival.
While they were indoors praying, a strong wind
blew into the house and tongues of fire descended upon and rested
over their heads. Through this energy, Jesus' disciples were
divinely empowered to spread His teachings. Immediately thereafter
they went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching to
the crowds gathered for the festival. The disciples imparted Jesus'
teachings not only with boldness and vigor, but miraculously also in
the native languages of the attendees, who had come from all parts
of the Roman Empire. This amazed everyone who witnessed their
preaching. It is said that on that day three thousand people
embarked on the spiritual path. Since the apostles' and disciples'
spread of Spirituality, including establishing churches began from
this day, it is observed as the birthday of the Church.
This incident signifies the eternal nature of the
Guru principle,
due to which Jesus' apostles continued His work of spreading
spiritual teachings even after His renunciation of the body. (Holy
Bible, Acts 9.31 & Acts 2:1-41)Method of celebration
On this day, as per a tradition of the ancient
Church, those being taught Jesus Christ's teachings were
ritualistically baptized. These newly baptized Christians would wear
white robes on that day. Pentecost was therefore, called
'Whitsunday' or 'White Sunday' after these white baptismal garments.
Red is the liturgical (order of worship) color
for this day, in memory of the fiery tongues through which the Holy
Spirit (Guru principle) descended on the first Pentecost. The color
of the vestments** is red, symbolic of the love of the Holy Spirit
or of the tongues of fire.
The Pentecost strengthens seekers' faith, since
it is a reminder of how the Guru principle guides seekers eternally.
Hence, along with Christmas and Easter, Pentecost makes up the three
great festivals of the Church calendar and is celebrated with much
joy and thanksgiving.
* Refer to Issue 115
and 116, Upcoming
Religious Festivals, Easter.
** The ritual robes worn by members of the clergy (Church
priests/preachers) or other assistants at Church services or rites,
especially a garment worn at the celebration of the Eucharist.
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