I sometimes think about how crazy it would be if the Holy Spirit just came upon me as it did the Apostles during Pentecost. There they are, praying and waiting in a small room, likely not really sure what to expect from this so-called Holy Spirit. But then, suddenly, the Spirit arrives!
“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).
It can be hard to believe that the Holy Spirit then is the same Holy Spirit I have access to in my own life.
But as I have continued to grow in my faith, I have started to realize something: the Holy Spirit has still descended in my life, over and over again, even if not with quite the same flare. Sure, I cannot speak multiple languages and I’ve never seen a flaming tongue, but I have seen how the Spirit has led me and those around me.
Often, this has occurred in subtle ways. The Spirit has come in the form of family and friends affirming me when I feel discouraged. It has come in the form of having a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in my life and the work I’m doing. It has come in the form of being prompted to call or reach out to someone who is struggling with doubt or loneliness.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is with us and available to us. Like the saints, we can foster our own “little” Pentecosts, over and over again.
That’s why I think Pentecost has much to teach us.
First, I think it is a good reminder to ask God to give us the Holy Spirit in our daily prayer. Even if for only a moment right when we wake up, by simply lifting our heart to the Lord and saying “Come Spirit,” we can allow the Holy Spirit to make a dwelling place within us.
Challenge yourself to utter those words and see what God reveals to you.
I try to make a habit of doing this at my desk before I start my workday (the Lord knows I need all the help I can get on Monday mornings…). The more I’m able to do this—before a meeting for work, as I’m about to have a difficult conversation with a friend, contemplating a dilemma during an afternoon stroll—the more confidence I feel in God’s hand in my life. The more I feel encouraged to joyfully complete my responsibilities. The clarity I receive with certain decisions. The more I see gifts, such as my friends, family, work, and good health, for which to be grateful.
Pentecost also reminds me that I’m not alone in the spiritual life—that none of us are.
Life can be hard and even with the hope of Christ, the encouragement of my friends and family is so valuable in walking out my Christian life well.
When I’m with friends, gatherings at Mass, or Men’s groups, the Spirit’s presence feels tangible to me. I feel joy in being surrounded by others who desire my same heart and mission in life. The gratitude that emerges from being part of a community reminds me I’m not alone—that the Holy Spirit draws us together in one community.
Like the Apostles, received the Holy Spirit together so that they could, as members of the Church, proclaim the love of God to the world, we have a community. We are not doing this life alone. If you are looking for a community to connect with, I encourage you to check out our upcoming workshops or Connect page.
Lastly, Pentecost reminds me of the Apostles’ incredible boldness and courage.
Even though many of them were often in a lot of danger, they had the courage to bring Christ to others. It wasn’t their courage or will alone that allowed them to do such great and heroic things for the Kingdom of God; it was the Holy Spirit working with and inside them. It was this encouragement from the Holy Spirit that gave St. Paul the strength to suffer imprisonment or St. Peter martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel.
What if we had that boldness? Or rather, what if we were a little more aware that we already have what we need to be so bold? What would your life look like?
If this same Spirit helped them do such amazing things for God, then it can surely help us do the same in the particular and unique way that we’re called to serve. Pentecost reminds us that nothing is impossible for God.
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