Come, O Holy Spirit!

24 May

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.  (Acts 2:1-4)

Gifts of the Holy Spirit:  Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord (or Wonder and Awe in God’s Presence).

Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Charity, Generosity, Joy, Gentleness, Peace, Faithfulness, Patience, Modesty, Kindness, Self-control, Goodness, and Chastity.

Today is a BIG day in the life of the Church.  Not as big as Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of the Lord; but, probably the next biggest thing.

Why?  Because with the Lord’s resurrection, sin and death were ultimately destroyed.  However, we still lived in fear.  We needed an extreme amount of grace to venture forth and proclaim the Good News.

As Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus, Pentecost marks the birthday of the Church.

It was because of the direct result of the Holy Spirit coming down upon Mary and the Apostles in the Upper Room that they were given the grace and courage to go out into their world and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It is that same Spirit, poured out so many centuries ago, that gives us the graces that we need to go out into our own world and tell the Good News.

Pentecost.  The fulfillment of a promise.

Pentecost.  The giving of a hope.

Pentecost.  The birth of the Church.  Happy Birthday to all of you, His faithful ones!

FAITH ACTION:  Gather together with family or friends and discuss the gifts of the Holy Spirit and try to identify the gifts that God has given to each of you.  Then, encourage one another to use your gifts to the best of your ability.  Afterwards, sing (or pray) together, Come, Holy Ghost.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
And in our hearts take up thy rest;
Come with thy grace and heavenly aid
To fill the hearts which thou hast made;
To fill the hearts which thou hast made.

O Comfort blest, to thee we cry,
Thou heavenly gift of God most high;
Thou font of life and fire of love,
And sweet anointing from above;
And sweet anointing from above.

Praise be to thee, Father and Son,
And Holy Spirit, three in one;
And may the Son on us bestow
The gifts that from the Spirit flow;
The gifts that from the Spirit flow.