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Pentecost Season · Year A

Pentecost Sunday: Day Mass

May 24, 2026

Appearance Behind Locked Doors (Maestà), Duccio di Buoninsegna
Appearance Behind Locked Doors (Maestà), Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308–1311Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena
One of the small narrative panels from the back of Duccio's Maestà, the altarpiece carried through Siena in procession in 1311. The door is painted shut and bolted, and Christ is simply inside.The doors being locked is the detail John insists on, and Duccio painted the bolt.Duccio di BuoninsegnaThe founder of Sienese painting, who kept the gold and the Byzantine patterns while letting real feeling into the faces.Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, SienaThe cathedral's own museum, built into an unfinished nave, where Duccio's Maestà has been kept since it was taken off the altar.Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena
Roman Lectionary
GospelJohn 20:19-23Jn 20:19-23
Second Reading1 Cor. 12:3b-7, 12-131 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13Alt. 2nd ReadingSequence: Veni Sancte SpiritusSequence: Veni Sancte Spiritus
First ReadingActs 2:1-11
Responsorial PsalmPs. 104:1ab+24ac, 29bc-30, 31+34 (cf 30)Ps 104:1ab+24ac, 29bc-30, 31+34 (cf 30)

Overview & Insights

"He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:22)

On Easter evening the risen Jesus comes to the frightened disciples, shows them his wounds, and gives them peace. He breathes on them, tells them to receive the Holy Spirit, and sends them with authority to forgive sins.

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Take it further: John 20:19-23

Commentary

Commentary on John 20:19-23 (Day of Pentecost)Commentary on Jn 20:19-23 (Day of Pentecost) Working Preacher

The lectionary voice on the risen Christ breathing the Spirit.

John 20 CommentaryJn 20 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse by verse study of the risen Christ giving the Spirit.

John 20:19 CommentariesJn 20:19 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators gathered on the Easter gift of the Spirit.

John 20 CommentaryJn 20 Commentary Precept Austin

Detailed study notes and cross references on the chapter.

Pentecost Sunday (Year A) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Dr. Brant Pitre explains the Pentecost readings and the gift of the Spirit.

Pentecost Sunday, Cycle A (Sunday Connection) Loyola Press · Sunday Connection

A Catholic reflection and background for preaching and faith formation.

The Feast of Pentecost (Cycles ABC) Agape Bible Study

A Catholic study connecting the Easter gift of the Spirit to Pentecost.

Background & Word Study

Gospel of John Overview (Part 2)Gospel of Jn Overview (Part 2) BibleProject

Animated overview of the resurrection and commissioning in John.

Holy Spirit BibleProject

A theme video tracing the Spirit across the whole biblical story.

John 20:19 InterlinearJn 20:19 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek word by word of the risen Lord breathing on the disciples.

The Church Fathers

John 20 - CatenaJn 20 - Catena Catena

A chain of patristic comment on John 20 from the Church Fathers.

Sermons & Reflections

Sacred Space Daily Prayer Sacred Space · Irish Jesuits

The Irish Jesuits' prayer companion for praying with the day's Scripture.

Podcast

Bishop Barron: Tongues of Fire Word on Fire

Bishop Barron preaches this Sunday’s Mass readings, including John 20:19-23.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

A curated image index for the Pentecost readings in Christian art.

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