Sunday, May 19, 2024

This weekend we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, remembering the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples 10 days after the Ascension of Jesus. As the scriptures make clear, this event changed the disciples from people cowering in fear in the upper room to unintimidated missionaries spreading the Good News.

We receive the same gift of the Holy Spirit, first in baptism, when we are anointed with chrism, and then its fullness when we are anointed again at confirmation.  For many centuries, the sacraments of initiation (baptism, first communion, and confirmation) were celebrated all at once, as we still do at the Easter Vigil when an adult is brought into the Church.

What does the gift of the Holy Spirit mean for us? For me, 
personally, it means three related things: first, I am not alone.  
As I move through life with all of its twists and turns, I believe I 
am always accompanied and protected by the Holy Spirit.  Second, I believe that the Holy Spirit will give me the guidance and direction I need to make the right choices in life. Finally, I believe that the Holy Spirit gives me the strength to live the commitments I made and to do what is right. Accompaniment, direction, and strength.

Yet, while the Holy Spirit is always there to guide me and give me strength, it only works if I am paying attention, if I am giving the Holy Spirit the time and space needed to help me.  I need to be reflective on how the Spirit could be talking to me through the people I interact with and the events of my life.  I need to spend quiet time each day, speaking with the Spirit and being quiet to listen.  

The Spirit is there to help us: accompaniment, direction, and strength. How blessed we are! Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful!  God bless.