Commentary on Tobit

Augustine of Hippo (354–430)

Often we are asked, "If we celebrate Pentecost because of the coming of the Holy Spirit, why do the Jews celebrate it?" The Jews do, in fact, also celebrate Pentecost. You heard that earlier this morning when you followed with attention the reading of the book of Tobit as it was read at the memorial shrine of the blessed Theogenes. There it was said that on the day of Pentecost Tobit prepared a lunch and invited some of his friends who were worthy to participate in this feast since they feared the Lord. It says, "On the day of Pentecost, that is, the holiest day of the weeks." In fact, seven times seven equals forty-nine; to this number, one is added for the sake of unity in order to be able to bring us back to the head, the beginning. Unity in fact provides cohesion to every multitude; and the multitude if it is not cemented in unity is an agglomerate of disputing and quarrelsome people. If, however, there is concord, they form a single soul. Scripture asserts just this when speaking about those who had received the Holy Spirit. It says that "they had a single soul and heart toward God." Thus it makes fifty days, which is the mystery of Pentecost.But why, then, do the Jews…

See also

• More works by Augustine of Hippo

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