Today we celebrate the coming forth of the Holy Spirit and thus the Solemnity of Pentecost which brings about the conclusion of the Easter season.
From the Acts of the Apostles we are told that the Holy Spirit came forth "like a strong driving wind" and then "appeared to them as tongues as of fire."
This description of "strong driving wind" reminds us that the Holy Spirit is active. The Holy Spirit didn't just lazily appear at Pentecost, but instead was sent forth in a manner which stirs up the heart and the soul of the receiver.
It was no coincidence that the Holy Spirit would appear to them as "tongues of fire" for the apostles were not to remain docile in their practice of faith, but they were to actively bring it into the world in order that all may come to know the name of Christ.
Pentecost has been called the birthday of the Church. It it was at Pentecost that the apostles received the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift that Christ promised would be poured out for them. It was from this gift that they came to understand and accept their active mission to become heralds of the Gospel.
The Holy Spirit is often forgotten in our life. We understand the importance of God the Father who is the creator of all things visible and invisible. We understand the importance of God the Son who took on our human flesh and died upon the cross in atonement for our sin. Nevertheless, we so often forget about the Holy Spirit who actively comes down upon us and sends us forth into the world to be active in our practice of faith.
On this Pentecost Sunday we must pray that this renewal will take place within us and within this community of faith. The Holy Spirit is in no way docile, but rather is an active force which is sent out into the world. We must not hinder the movement of the Holy Spirit within our life, but must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to encompass us in order that we may be found active in our practice of faith.
The Holy Spirit comes down upon the Church and upon each of us in order that we may live out lives of genuine faith and charity. To follow the way of the Holy Spirit challenges us against closing in upon ourself, but rather opening wide the door of faith to all who encounter it.
May we truly allow the Holy Spirit to enter into our life and to renew the face of the earth.
