This evening we celebrate Holy Mass (6:30pm) for the Vigil of Pentecost, as we rejoice at God’s gift of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who continues to proclaim Christ to us and make Him known in God’s holy Word and blessed Sacraments.
From the beginning, the Holy Spirit’s mission has been clear: to make Christ known. Jesus Himself said the Spirit would not speak on His own authority, but would take what is Christ’s and declare it to us (John 16:13–14). The Spirit is not a vague, impersonal force. He is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity—sent by the Father and the Son to gather and sanctify the Church through the proclamation of the Gospel.
On this Vigil of Pentecost, the Church anticipates the outpouring of the Spirit, not only as a historical event, but as the ongoing life of Christ’s Body on earth. Through Word and Sacrament, the Spirit still gathers sinners into the holy community of the Church, where Christ is truly present—absolving, feeding, and sustaining His people.
The miracle of Pentecost was not simply that tongues were spoken, but that Christ—the Salvation of the world—was preached. That miracle continues every time the Gospel is proclaimed and believed. Every baptism, every sermon, every Eucharist is Pentecost anew—Christ crucified and risen, made known by the Spirit to a world in need.
As we keep vigil, we do so as those who have been called, enlightened, and sanctified by the Spirit. We rejoice that He has gathered us into Christ’s Church, where the risen Lord is among us—still speaking, still saving.
Come, Holy Spirit, and make Christ known.
All Saints Lutheran Church and School 