Pentecost
Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday–one of the greatest feasts of the year in the Catholic Church. While we read about the Holy Spirit coming down upon the Apostles and the great works that they did, I think we fail to recognize that it is that same Holy Spirit that comes upon us in Baptism and Confirmation, as well as the one that effects the other Sacraments. Our lack of faith and desire to be used by God is all that is in the way of us having great power for good.
Perhaps it is our lack of prayer that results in a lack of faith; the apostles spent nine days in intense prayer before the Holy Spirit came. Before that, they had walked with Jesus for at least three years, and witnessed his death, Resurrection and Ascension. Through the Scriptures, we are confronted with the life and stories of Jesus, but do we internalize the Mysteries and stand in awe of them? Do we recognize our utter helplessness and complete dependence on God? Do we day-by-day relinquish control of our lives to the One Who created us, loves us, and has a great plan for our lives?
By trying to control our lives without any view towards what God wants for us, we are shutting the doors of opportunity to true greatness. Any follower of Christ will have suffering (as Jesus said, what servant is greater than their master?), but without the Cross there is no Resurrection. We must actively seek and participate in God’s plan for us, not merely follow “my plan.” Let us join our lives so closely to God that the Holy Spirit takes hold of us with his power, transforming our sufferings into our perfection, so that we may live forever in happiness that we cannot imagine. Holy Spirit, pray for us!
