Today, the Solemnity of Pentecost, we celebrate the Birthday of the Church, the coming of the Holy Spirit that transpired ten (10) days after the Ascension of Our Lord. We go back to the scene when the disciples of Jesus with the Blessed Mother were inside the Upper Room, the Cenacle. Suddenly, they heard from the sky a strong wind that shook the Cenacle,and tongues of fire appeared and settled on those who were there.

Jesus commissioned His disciples at the Ascension to go to the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. The mandate is to go forth to the world and announce the GOOD NEWS. The World Youth Day, 1995, Manila theme song captures this command:TELL the world of His love!

Let us tell the world of His love, the greatest love the world has known. Search the world for those who have walked astray and lead them home. Fill the world's darkest corners with His light from up above. Walk every step, every mile, every road, and tell the world, tell the world of His love.

Jesus loves us unconditionally and greatly: should we not be convicted by His love? Often, our love for Him is shallow, wavering, and conditional. Yet, He loves us no matter what, and He even calls us His friends, “You are my friends, and I no longer call you slaves.” In truth, we all have a long, long way to go on the road of love. I pray that we all pray the Jesus’ prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Let no one of us be selfrighteous and proud.