A Reflection for the Thursday (Quinta) within the Octave of Pentecost
Readings: Acts 8:5–8; Luke 9:1–6
The Quinta infra Octavam Pentecostes — Thursday within the Octave of Pentecost — invites the faithful to ponder anew the mission of the Church in light of the descending fire of the Holy Ghost. Today’s readings, taken from Acts 8:5–8 and Luke 9:1–6, draw us into the heart of apostolic labor: preaching the Kingdom, casting out demons, healing the sick, and calling souls to conversion. These are not mere historical events, but manifestations of the divine fire still burning in the Mystical Body of Christ.
“And the people with one accord gave heed…” (Acts 8:6)
Saint Philip’s mission to Samaria marks a powerful moment in the outward spread of the Gospel. With boldness and clarity, he proclaims Christ, and signs accompany his words — demons are expelled, and the sick are healed. As the sacred author tells us, “There was great joy in that city.” Joy — the fruit of the Holy Ghost — arises where the Word is received in faith.
Saint Bede the Venerable comments on this passage, noting:
“He who was one of the seven deacons now exercises the office of an evangelist. The miracles that follow his preaching show that the Gospel is not in word only, but in power.” (Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles)
It is Pentecost continued: the same Spirit who descended upon the Apostles now works through their successors. As the Fathers often remarked, the Church is born of the Spirit and always bears His mark — unity, sanctity, catholicity, and apostolicity. Philip’s mission bears all these signs.
“He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick…” (Luke 9:2)
The Gospel recounts Our Lord sending forth the Twelve. This commission prefigures the apostolic mandate after Pentecost. Christ’s words are both command and promise: “Take nothing… for the workman is worthy of his hire.” Stripped of worldly reliance, the Apostles go forth armed only with the authority of the Word and the power of the Spirit.
Saint Cyril of Alexandria beautifully expounds:
“They received from Christ the power over unclean spirits and diseases. This was necessary, so that by working signs they might confirm the truth of their doctrine. For just as the Word became flesh, so too divine power was made visible in healing.” (Commentary on Luke, Book 6)
The Lord’s instructions — to remain where they are received, to shake off the dust where they are rejected — underline the sacred urgency of the mission. There is no time for comfort or delay. The Gospel must be preached, whether welcomed or not.
Pentecostal Pattern of Evangelization
When these two passages are read together, especially in the light of Pentecost, they reveal a pattern:
- Mission (Christ sends; Philip goes to Samaria)
- Word (They preach the Kingdom of God)
- Signs (Demons are cast out; the sick are healed)
- Reception or Rejection (People receive with joy, or dust is shaken off)
- Joy (Where the Spirit is welcomed, joy abounds)
Saint John Chrysostom, ever the preacher of apostolic fervor, reflects:
“Notice how the Apostles obeyed at once and without delay. This readiness is itself a grace of the Spirit. When they went out, they did not bring the Word alone but also the power, so that none could doubt their authority.” (Homilies on Luke)
In a world fractured by spiritual confusion, the Quinta infra Octavam Pentecostes reminds us of the Church’s perennial call: to bring Christ to the world in the Spirit’s power. Not by adapting the message, nor by clever methods, but by fidelity to the apostolic mandate — Word, Sacrament, and holy boldness.
A Call to Imitation
We, too, are sent — not as Apostles in the strict sense, but as members of the Church animated by the same Spirit. We are to preach Christ, whether by word, example, or hidden sacrifice. Pentecost is not a memory; it is a present mission.
Let us close with a prayer inspired by the traditional liturgy of the Pentecost Octave:
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium.
“Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created, and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.”