Come, Holy Spirit!

Solemnity of the Pentecost, cycle A


It may be significant to know that when we talk about the Holy Spirit, we are not talking about a ghost but a Concrete God, a Paraclete, One that fills the Church with God’s goodness and power.  He fills us and makes us concrete manifestations of His presence.

The three concrete manifestations of the Spirit are:

1.     Breath or strong wind – wind that can be heard, but this is not a destructive wind but rather, a breath that gives and sustains life. The opposite one does not give breath; it kills.  We breathe God and are breathed upon by the Lord.  If far from God, we cease breathing life to others.  We die and bring others to death.  This anti-life mentality is ruining the core of our very relationship with God, the breath of life.

2.     Tongues of fire – the Holy Spirit rested on the apostles, distributing His presence among them.  Note that this fire doesn’t burn; not like the fires of destruction.  In purification, it brings out the truer part of man and his vocation to truth and love.  Never be afraid with this fire.  Be touched with the fire of Jesus’ everlasting love.

3.     Speaking in different languages – as God self-communicates, he produces unity far beyond we can imaging.  If a person distances himself away from others, he also distances away from the Spirit.   As Pope Benedict says in his message last year, "This Spirit manifests in the plurality of understanding, just as the Church is both one and multiple in nature.  The Holy Spirit involves all people and overcomes all walls and barriers."

How right is this prayer rooted in the very prayer of Jesus, “Come Holy Spirit; kindle us by the fire of your love.”  This prayer of Jesus continues this very moment to transcend space and time, to reach eternity in heaven.  Let us be one this Pentecost and for the rest of our lives.