The Word, Source: Act of the Apostles 2.1-9, May 23, 2021
THE COMING OF THE SPIRIT
1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.
2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.
3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language?
9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome,
11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”
A REFLECTION
Over the past seven weeks we have heard the wonderful story of the Early Church in St. Luke’s Acts of the Apostles. It is a very dynamic story – beginning with the election of Matthias to replace Judas.
The first great highlight is the Pentecost event – the promise of Jesus fulfilled – the Holy Spirit comes upon the twelve, and Mary and others gathered in prayer. It must’ve been an amazing and joyful moment.
The very next part of the Pentecost story is Peter speaking to all the people there – many gathered from many parts of the world for the feast there in Jerusalem. He tells them that Jesus is the Savior that they are to repent their sins and be baptized. Many accept that first invitation and many more will accept the invitation in Asia minor and as far away as Rome. It is quite interesting that when Paul arrived in Rome some time in 60 A.D. that he already found many believers there active in following Jesus. The word spread quickly that Jesus is the Lord, the Savior! The Holy Spirit is already inspiring the church – in the believing communities.
We hear the wonderful story about the Gentiles Centurion Cornelius who with this whole family and friends received the Holy Spirit and are baptized by Peter.
With all this, I reflect on myself – trying to recall, revitalize the gift of the Holy Spirit I received in Baptism and Confirmation. Sometimes I remember and, more often, I forget.
This season with all the readings from the Acts of the Apostles I find myself desiring a renewal of the Holy Spirit in my own life. It comes a bit late – but I will still take it, that as it may be. And I wonder, will I forget the Holy Spirit again? These days I have prayed a bit more for the gift of the spirit – that it may enliven my life as a Christian, as a Catholic and as a Jesuit. I need that grace of the Holy Spirit.
In a saving way I recall, I reflect that we invoke the Holy Spirit every time we make the Sign of the Cross. It is a gesture that, quite honestly, should not be rushed or done faultlessly. We invoke God the father, Jesus the son and we invoke the Holy Spirit. Maybe that will be a good resolution coming out of this Pentecost feast – not to rush, but to be more aware of our invocation of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Now – What do we pray for?
MY PRAYER
A week ago, the prayer was for strength for witness and testimony to Jesus. Now – a “shopping list” of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that I desire to live out – this list was given by St. Paul based on his experience of how the Holy Spirit changed persons and communities –
Take some time with each of these foods of the Spirit that you desire or seek increase and intensification – Perhaps choose what you want to pray over each day this week – Pray to receive a renewal of the Holy Spirit in your life – with family, with friends, with coworkers and whoever comes to you needing help or blessing – The Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.22-23) : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All this I pray, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
