The Holy Spirit: The Source of our best impulses

Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 103; 1Cor 12, 3b-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23

Like we all know, Pentecost celebrates the dramatic fulfillment of the promise of Jesus: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit – the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. At the Last Supper, he promised to send the Holy Spirit, to be an ever-reliable helper, advocate, counsellor, teacher, a replacement for Christ himself. “Unless I go, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (Jn. 16:7).

The Spirit sent by Jesus became the vital source of energy and missionary spirit. The early disciples never forgot his first coming. Before now, they were timid and afraid. When the Spirit came over them, they were transformed, “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4), suddenly, mysteriously, eloquent. Some bystanders reacted that, “They’re drunk” (Acts 2:13). In a sense they were right, for drunk they were, spiritually, intoxicated with the Spirit of Christ’s love and eagerness to proclaim his message.

They stayed spiritually drunk in this sense, and never to be soberly timid again. Every decision they made was Spirit-guided: the choice of seven deacons; the admitting of Gentiles to the Church; the sending of Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. The influence of the Spirit was not confined to the apostles. It was felt at the ordinary level too, at the grassroots. They recognized charisms, gifts of the Spirit, given for service in the Church, unusual gifts like healing or prophecy, designed to meet the needs of an infant Church, and ordinary gifts too, that helped to build up the community: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22).

Whenever we exercise our various charisms, gifts and talents; when we are loyal to a demanding partner, or console the bereaved, support the old or encourage the young, we are being led by the Spirit. When we resist temptation; when we respond to our better impulses, the Spirit is working in us. The Spirit of God is the rising sap moving all that is best in us. It is through our better instincts that the Spirit works. Our part is to work with him to reach our fullest selves.

Pentecost invites us to seek that presence of God’s Spirit in our own selves. We need to welcome the Spirit of God who is the font of all life. This Spirit is for everyone, because the immense Love of God is present to all the joys and groans, efforts and yearnings that spring from the heart of all God’s children.

In today´s first reading, Humanity is seen at its best. Pentecost brought about a wonderful bonding of people from all over the Roman Empire. They were united in admiring and praising the marvels of God. In spite of differences of language and culture there was a real communion among them. Wherever communion of heart and mind exist among people of different backgrounds, the Holy Spirit is at work. Unity in diversity is the mark of the Spirit. Jesus points out another manifestation of the Spirit: the pursuit of truth. Only the Spirit can lead us to the complete truth. If someone is genuinely seeking for truth, and willing to engage in good works with others, there the Spirit is at work. Fullness of truth and love is always beyond us; but the Spirit is given to lead us towards the complete truth and love, in all its height and depth.

Before Jesus’s final giving of himself on the cross, He promised to give His disciples another Paracleteas we read in St. John’s Gospel. Paraclete means a counselor, intercessor, an advocate. And Jesus specifically said “Another Paraclete.” This means He is still among us as our First Advocate. So, what will be the function of the Spirit? He will teach; he will bring to your remembrance; and will bear witness.  Whenever, we celebrate Pentecost, it reminds us of that first dramatic outpouring of the Spirit to His Church. But more so, it reminds us that we need to continually open our hearts to the Spirit. Today’s feast is a call to action. In today’s first reading after Peter’s preaching, the people asked: Brothers, what shall we do? We need to continually say Yes to the promptings of the Spirit. You need to fan into flame the gifts of the Spirit also given to you at Baptism and Confirmation. You need to allow the Spirit to teach you, remind you and inspire your witnessing. The Spirit will not force its way into you. You have to be disposed so that God’s Spirit can work in you.

As we celebrate the Birthday of the Church, we pray that in our own time and space that there be a New Pentecost, that the same Spirit work with us and within us to teach, remind and inspire authentic witnessing among us:

Come, O Holy Spirit,

fill the hearts of your faithful!

In our labor, rest most sweet;

Grateful coolness in the heat;

Solace in the midst of woe.

Heal our wounds, our strength renew;

On our dryness pour your dew;

Wash the stains of guilt away:

Bend the stubborn heart and will;

Melt the frozen, warm the chill;

Guide the steps that go astray. Amen.