Acts 2.1-11・Ps. 104.1b+24,29+30,21;34・Gal.5.16-25・Jn.15.26-27,16.12-15
The atmosphere of the 7-week long Easter season brings us to a deeper understanding of the meaning of joy brought about by the glorified life in Jesus, understood easier and simplier from the victory over death (death on the cross). God`s long-range plan of Salvation seen as the framework of His unending love for us continues with a promise of the indwelling of His Spirit among us.
The sending of the Holy Spirit after Ascension creates a Church in this world. Thus, we celebrate the birth of the Church on the Solemnity of the Pentecost. Ours (the best we all can express) is a celebrating Catholic community, in thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. We have the Bible written by men and inspired by the Holy Spirit, from which we are always invited to read and reflect of its (the Bible`s) merit in our daily life. For if we do not have a written Word (the Bible) at hand, we scatter and return to our old bad ways. We also have the blessed tradition in the church transmitted from one generation to another, seen as another source of grace and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus commissioned His Apostles to continue His work, and commissioned to lead the Church on earth. It is through the same gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that they are empowered to continue the work of Jesus.
A solemn celebration of the Pentecost calls each one of us to heal our unbeliefs, doubts, and maybe to heal our prostration if there is any. Let us widely open our hearts, for the inspiration of God`s Spirit comes in the most unexpected time and place. Let our faith be nurtured through the mostly unexpected inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
For anyone who at this moment coincidentally will soon embark on a new path of life so to say, for a newly-wed, or a fresh graduate for example, or for those heading towards Christian life initiation, have a Holy Spirit-inspired preparation and planning, and see the difference. This must probably be, or indeed, the way the Holy Paraclete dwells among us and guides us.
Let us therefore nurture our faith in the (Holy) Sacraments from which grace overflows. In our church life (faith life – prayer life), we rely solely on the Holy Spirit. May the truth of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in everyone`s heart lead to continued love and self-respect. May the same truth (the indwelling of the H.S.) lead to continued love and trust in others as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.