Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost.
From the Book of Acts we are told that the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles “like a strong driving wind.” This calls to mind the necessity for movement in our practice of faith. We cannot just sit around and be stagnant.
When a body of water does not receive movement it becomes stagnant. Over time it can take on a smell, look like sludge, and be harmful for consumption. The answer to this issue is the movement of water in order that it can remain fresh. The Holy Spirit comes upon the church as an active force that stirs us up in order that we may be authentic disciples. The Church cannot be a stagnant entity, but an active force.
The apostles were given a great task in the form of the Great Commission, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” There is nothing that is stagnant about this command. We are called upon to make disciples of all nations, but the task of evangelization is something that is awkward and intimidating to many.
The apostles were gathered in prayer when they received this gift of the Holy Spirit. After receiving such a gift they remained human with all the struggles that come with it. Nevertheless, they received the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit which would send them out into the world to live the faith and to draw others towards it. Currently the world has 2.6 billion Christians, 1.3 billion of which are Catholic, while at the time of the apostles this was not the case.
In our age we should not live in a state of doom and gloom concerning what the future may hold. The faith that we profess is something which is authentic and thus it will continue to grow. From a small group of believers sprung forth a movement of faith which would grow around the world. Likewise, we must entrust ourself to this same outpouring of the Holy Spirit that the apostles received.
Through our interaction with the Holy Spirit we receive the fruits and gifts which are necessary to live out our faith. Let us, therefore, embrace the Holy Spirit and thus the gifts with open hearts and minds. Let us cultivate a deep relationship with the Spirit through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of holiness. And as we do so, let us remember that the purpose of the Holy Spirit's empowerment is not just for our personal edification, but for the salvation of souls and the transformation of the whole world.
Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
