Alternative Pentecost Vigil
(Jn 7:37-39)
During the Feast of Tabernacles - on the occasion of the fruit harvest - the priests performed the ritual of water, carrying it in a golden jug from the pool of Siloah ['Sent'] to the Temple (where it was poured to ask for autumn rain).
The rite is customized by Jesus, who invites the crowds to drink from Wisdom: those who welcome Him will have within them a spring of life, an expression of the divine gold that is bestowed upon all his intimates - enabled to renew all things.
Invitation to come to Christ and quench one's thirst of Him, and Promise of the same divine Spirit for those who drink from his Person. Here the Lord replaces the Torah.
To say: we cannot fully exist without humanity quenching its thirst at Beverage that provides fullness of being.
The Lord matches what we seek, and exceeds it, making of each one a sanctuary that irrigates.
A personal, abundant Source of life-giving currents - even in deserts, to turn them into gardens.
Pentecost is in Christ an ultimate and springing moment. Fire and Wave.
Unlike in Acts 2, the Master does not use the impressive imagery of natural phenomena of the First Testament [thunder, earthquakes, hurricanes, lightning, fire] to narrate the living manifestation of God in believers.
In order to portray the outpouring of the Spirit, the breaking down of barriers and the project of a new Wisdom, Jesus uses the quiet image of a Water that is to be absorbed, that makes persons grow and - in time - produces life.
The path of Revelation and Covenant in the Spirit is revealed to be progressive - up to Him, in whom it finds its culmination.
Crowning that transfuses itself into the regenerated people: they (from fearless who were) become heralds and pioneers.
The new Creation, the new mothers and fathers expression of His victory over death, are not born from dust, but from the same «blood mixed with water» of the «elevated» Christ [on the cross].
Flow that now pours into disciples - to sprout life in them, so as to provide, brighten up and cheer the path of others.
In the open relationship between God and man (who by grace makes his contribution to Heaven's exuberant plan) the whole of creation also becomes a participant in the Pact of Communion.
After an initial cosmic alliance of peace with Noah, here is a personal one with Abraham - in view of the «multitudes».
The project of internalization and personal appeal had already shifted towards humanity, but with Moses it becomes energy and design of Liberation.
In Christ the chosen and holy people lay down all privileges: they become authentic in the recovery of opposing sides, and universal.
"Israel" moves from common religious feeling and from improved awareness of history lived alongside the Eternal, to the depths of his Heart - up to our own: that is, to reinterpretation and unprecedented adventure; properly, of Faith.
From the Prophets to Christ, the Covenant becomes global.
Under sudden or cadenced Action of the Spirit, 'Water' that goes beyond and overflows, but if assimilated makes everything grow - all and even dissimilarity becomes motion towards Unity: even chaos activates new cohesions.
The ancient Pact stretches far beyond borders.
Its circles become wider and wider - without making one fear that events might get out of hand with God - in moments of quietness and pauses, or even in unending upheavals.
The Water that the leaders or prophets of the First Testament had seen gushing out of rocks or cracked crags becomes Living - with no more corruptions.
[Solemnity of Pentecost: Vigil, May 7/8, 2025]
