Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Today we celebrate Pentecost: the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the Church. What does the Holy Spirit mean to us as Christians?
The Holy Spirit unites us as we come together as a community of believers. We no longer have to wander alone in the wilderness of life, afraid of the dark. The Holy Spirit illuminates fiery light upon our souls giving us the gifts of wisdom and understanding. Although Christ is no longer with us in the flesh, he's with us in the Spirit. The Spirit guides and fortifies us. Do we listen to the Spirit's gentle prodding? Do we recognize the influences of the Holy Spirit in our neighbors? Do we use the Holy Spirit as a divine guide?
I remember years ago my mom and I were driving home from downtown Dallas after a trip to the Farmers' Market. All of sudden an older Bronco in the highway lane in front of us hit the median and began rolling in our direction! My mom slammed on the brakes as the car continued to roll before stopping within only a couple of feet from us. All four lanes of traffic stopped as my mom rushed out of the car to see minister aide. The Bronco laid on its side with the glass windshield broken in a million pieces. The driver was still alive and breathing as blood covered his head, arms and hands. We were absolutely amazed the man survived, and we were spared from a very serious collision. If it wasn't for the Holy Spirit and our guardian angels, I'm convinced we may not be alive today.
Nobody should doubt one instant the power of the Holy Spirit. It protects and heals. It gives us courage and insight. It helps navigate our life's path even when we walk across flooded gutters, hot gravel, icy patches, or potholes. That narrow path to holiness isn't always smooth. However, the Holy Spirit can guide us through the rough spots.
In the Office Readings, I found a beautiful quote from Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, a Carmelite nun from Florence, Italy who live back in the 16th century:
"Come, Holy Spirit. Let the precious pearl of the Father and the Word's delight come. Spirit of truth, you are the reward of the saints, the comforter is souls, light in the darkness, riches to the poor, treasure of lovers, food for the hungry, comfort to those who are wandering; to sum up, you are the one in whom all treasures all contained."
I imagine The Holy Spirit as a treasure chest for our souls. It provides us with diamonds of love, sapphires of of joy, pearls of peace, garnets of patience, gold of kindness, emeralds of generosity, silver of faithfulness, rubies of gentleness, and onyx of self control. Do we us our treasures wisely for the benefit of the faith or do we bury our treasures? Do we trade them on the black market using them for greedy purposes or do we trade them with others in holy ways? Do we decide to carry around empty treasures chests filled with rocks or do we share our priceless treasures with others?
I'll leave you to contemplate further....
Happy Pentecost!
-J.
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