Waiting For The Spirit

2 Jun

While Apollos was in Corinth,
Paul traveled through the interior of the country
and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. 
He said to them,
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”
They answered him,
“We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  (Acts 19:1-2)

Never heard of the Holy Spirit?

Unheard of!

Yet, that was the condition of many in the early Church.

As far as that goes, at one point in time, that was the condition of ALL in the early Church.

Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension.  At that time, Jesus left His disciples.  They were very sad and rather frightened.  Jesus knew that it was because the Holy Spirit had not come upon them.  He promised His followers that He would send the Holy Spirit after He ascended to the Father.

He did send the Spirit a short time later.  At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came into their lives and gave them strength and courage to proclaim boldly the name of Jesus.

We received the Holy Spirit at our baptisms and confirmations.  We have the gifts of the Spirit at our disposal.

All we need to do is use them!

FAITH ACTION:  Pray St. Augustine’s Pray to the Holy Spirit

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.