“Jesus breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
“Then there appeared on them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit…”
These phrases shed a profound light on the deep meaning of this great Feast of Pentecost which we celebrate next Sunday. God’s Word always invites us to step into the scene, place ourselves right there, and listen and see, as if for the first time, what is happening to the people of Jesus’ time, but also to me and those of my time. Let us step forth!
Jesus breathes on the disciples and on us. From the depths of His being he brings out to those whom he has chosen God’s Spirit and offers, gives us the Spirit to be our strength, our light, our wisdom, our guide. The Spirit is part of Jesus and the Father Creator and now we, too, are part of this Triune Mystery just as the disciples, women and men, who Jesus called so many centuries ago. Sit with this thought for awhile and try to perceive the depth of this mysterious fact. It is awesome! I have a spirit of mine own. There is an inner force within me given to me by our loving God, but God is asking you and me to move beyond our own spirits to receive God’s spirit without demanding certain conditions. We don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to have all the right answers. There is no qualifying test to pass, other than a willingness to journey with Jesus making disciples of all nations.
We step into the upper room and enter with all the men and women disciples who are waiting. Waiting for what? They could never have imagined! We, however, have the advantage of 20 centuries of Christianity so we know for what they waited. Look around and see the tongue of fire which parted and then rested on each person, equally, no difference, no one received more than anyone else, responsibility shared as one people. Here is the call for unity. We all received of the same fire and although our gifts are different, each one is called to be a sign of unity by using her/his gifts for the fulfillment of God’s mission. It is not our mission. It is God’s. We, as the Church, the People of God, are called to live God’s mission. And how we need unity and clarity of mission at this time in the history of humanity. Certain types of suffering are part of the mystery of life, but so much of human suffering is caused by greed, discrimination, lack of global solidarity, hate, indifference, narcissism, etc.
How can we be certain that God’s Spirit is with us? Let us look at what Anthony Gittens says in his book, A Presence that Disturbs:
“Because we organize and control, because we decide and make plans, we may not have time to order our lives as if God’s Spirit rather than our own intuitions and determinations were leading us. Here are five signs that seem to mark those who really believe in the Spirit of God. They may be worth a little reflection.
Such people
• Actually go looking for trouble, for troubled people, as Jesus did;
• Pray to become aware, to be disturbed, lest they fail to hear and respond to the cries of the needy and the structures of sin;
• Are united though diverse, so that the world may believe (Jn. 17:21);
• Are convinced they can help change the world – or that they will be found guilty if they fail to do so;
• Live exciting and worthwhile lives.” (p. 27)
This wonderful and inspiring Feast of Pentecost brings us such joy and peace, but it also disturbs us. It is not enough to wear red on this day or light many candles but let us ask the hard questions and look at the above phrases. Is God’s Spirit guiding me? My community? My parish? My world? If there is any doubt (and I hope there is!), may we have the Spirit’s strength and wisdom to begin again, to look again and to live the Gospel in its entirety and integrity.
Be the fire that God’s mission needs. Be the fire in every place, at every moment, allowing God to use you as God’s instrument. Just be the fire!
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”
Now we invite your thoughts. Please share in the comments section below. And while you’re here, continue on a virtual mission by reading more of our stories and reflections as we discover together how “We are Mission”.
We are Mission! 