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• In the Acts of the Apostles, the story of Pentecost occurs on the fiftieth day after Passover, the day after seven Sabbaths.
• The strong wind recalls the might wind that swept over the waters at creation and the breath of life that God blew into the human being.
• The tongues of fire at Pentecost symbolize a new call and a new covenant.

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• In I Corinthians, Paul describes the unity of Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
• They are one body, breathing with the same breath.
• The gifts of each contribute to the life of the whole.

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• The Gospel reading portrays the timeless events of Jesus' resurrection and the descent of the Spirit.
• Jesus breathes on the disciples, creating them anew, and proclaims the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• Filled with the Spirit, the disciples continue to spread new life and remedy the separation caused by sin as they forgive sins.