This weekend we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost. It is often referred to as “the birthday of the Church” because it was the day when the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit. But what actually happened on that first Pentecost as recorded for all of history in the Book of Acts?
The Gospel is preached; the Spirit descends; and people come to faith!
This is remarkably simplistic, but that is the entire point. When the Spirit is a-moving and active there is no need for added special effects and flashy promotions. Pentecost is a human encounter with the power of God’s Love in the person of the Holy Spirit.
What would it look like if we took our gathering more seriously? What would it look like it we actually believed that when two or three are gathered together…? I think there would be several obvious effects. There would be a spirit of reverence that would bring an end to chit chat before Mass. We would all be together in one place for one reason: to be with Jesus and receive his spirit. We would be transfixed on the One who called us together to such a degree that trivialities, distractions and even our personal struggles would dissolve in the presence of the Divine.
If you went to a concert of your favorite singer/composer/band you would be so “into” it that I am sure you would not even give a single thought to how poorly Fr. Mike sings. Or watching an incredible comedy is seldom ruined by the lame knock knock joke you heard earlier that day. Even in a purely human way regarding something as insignificant as entertainment, gathering together for a fun event trumps trivialities.
This effect is even more powerful when people intentionally and with devotion gather in one place to worship the Lord. Jesus is truly present at every Mass. The Holy Spirit is available to all who come. But we cannot approach Mass or any worship/church service as entertainment. It’s not about entertainment. Nor is it primarily about feelings, as wonderful as those feelings may be at times. This work of the Holy Spirit is about the power of God’s Love—a love that sets us free from sin and selfishness, a love that motivates men, women and children to help those in need, a love that encourages sacrifice so that others may likewise be set free from the bondage of sin and hate. This love of the Holy Spirit is life changing—world changing—paradigm changing!
Here is what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit:
• The Spirit is the Advocate
• Sent from the Father
• Spirit of Truth (testifies on Jesus’ behalf)
• Jesus has to go in order for Spirit to come
• Spirit to prove world wrong about sin, righteousness and judgment
Erasmus, the famous Renaissance scholar, once told a classic story which was designed to emphasize how important it is that we take up the torch of Christ's ministry with great commitment. In the story, Jesus returns to heaven after His time on earth. The angels gather around Him to learn what all happened during His days on earth. Jesus tells them of the miracles, His teachings, His death on the cross, and His resurrection.
When He finishes his story, Michael the Archangel asks Jesus, "But what happens now?" Jesus answers, "I have left behind eleven faithful disciples and a handful of men and women who have faithfully followed me. They will declare My message and express My love. These faithful people will build My church." "But," responds Michael, "What if these people fail? Do you have another plan?” Jesus answers, “I sent them my Holy Spirit. There is no other plan."
We still have work to do! We need to preach, and teach, and share, and love, and baptize, and…you get the point! The arrival of the Spirit doesn’t get us off the hook for ministry, it simply means that we are empowered and not the ones “doing” the actual work. We are now vessels and instruments to be used but our use is active not passive. And when done lovingly it is fulfilling and life giving!
Prayerfully,
Father Mike