Pentecost is the grand finale of the Easter season. We bring to a close the celebration of the resurrection and begin the  journey through Ordinary Time. Originally, Pentecost was a Jewish pilgrimage feast celebrated fifty days after Passover (that’s why there was such a diverse crowd in Jerusalem). It coincided with the harvest of the early crops (first fruits). Also, it commemorated God giving the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Shavuot). Within this context, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles.
   It is fitting that Pentecost is called the birthday of the Church. From this day forward the Church expands outward to all the nations. A new type of “first fruits” is offered to God, souls instead of crops. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the message of Jesus is truly shown to be “catholic”- universal.