Holy Spirit

 Jesus said, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).

            There is a story concerning a young Monk who equated holiness with self-denial. Every morning, he got up early to spend additional time in Prayer. He offered to do extra chores around the Monastery during his free time. The young Monk took reduced portions at meals to discipline his Will. Despite his efforts he didn’t feel any holier. When the Monk asked his Spiritual Director for some advice he was surprised by the response: ease up. Holiness the Director explained was about having a closer relationship with God. It didn’t consist of making life difficult but enjoying Christ’s presence each day and being open to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

            In this passage from John, Jesus tells his Disciples the Father will send them the Holy Spirit who will provide the gifts they require to carry out their Earthly Mission. By doing so, he indicates the important role the Holy Spirit plays in God’s plan.

            Writers in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament linked the gifts of particular individuals to the Holy Spirit. It was this Divine presence which: empowered the seventy Elders who aided Moses; guided the actions of Kings like Saul; and inspired many Prophets. Solomon credited his Wisdom to God’s Spirit within him. King Belshazzar of Babylon realized the gifts of Prophecy and Dream Interpretation employed by Daniel came from a Divine Source. Isaiah predicted a descendant of David, who once anointed with the Holy Spirit, became an instrument of Right Judgment about people and the establishment of a lasting peace on Earth. Jesus, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended at his Baptism, fulfilled this Prophecy. During his Ministry, he revealed its presence to individuals by his Teachings, Exorcisms and Healings. As his Death, Resurrection and Ascension approached, the transfer of Christ’s Mission to his Disciples became necessary. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father at the request of Jesus, furnished the gifts which made this transition possible. Through Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Reverence, Fear of the Lord, Courage and Knowledge the Disciples clearly recalled what Christ revealed and became open to what the Holy Spirit taught. During the Passion, the Human desires and efforts of the Disciples proved inadequate. They repeatedly failed Jesus. Yet, the arrival of the Holy Spirit changed everything. As revealed in the Pentecost Story (Acts 2:1-11) the Disciples confidently proclaimed the Gospel Message to Jews from around the world. Later, they endured persecution and addressed the Pastoral issues they faced. With the Holy Spirit’s assistance, they learned they needed something more than their own abilities.

            Our Society likes the self-made individual. It feeds the idea that with enough intelligence and drive anyone can become anything. Catholics and other people of Faith frequently adopt this approach to Spiritual matters. Like the Monk in the Opening Story, they think if only they could: pray more; perform additional acts of charity; or make greater sacrifices they would draw closer to God. While these activities could deepen one’s relationship with God, one’s motivation might frustrate the effort. Prayer is not just about talking to God but also listening to the reply. Charity is not just meeting the needs of others but walking with them in their struggles. Sacrifices are not simply about toughening one’s resolve but also recognizing and learning to be comfortable with one’s vulnerability. Although Human desires and efforts to become holy are required, something more is necessary: allowing God to lead the way. The transformation of the Disciples which took place on Pentecost; which fulfilled the promise Jesus made in the Gospel required they remain passive. Jesus asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit. The Father did so. It was the Holy Spirit who entered the room. The Disciples did nothing but wait. Perhaps the lesson for our time, which is characterized by a “make it happen” attitude (even among Catholics) is that God will shape us into whatever tool he needs as long as we allow him. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit can help us to do this if we learn how to use them properly: remember what Jesus revealed and be open to all the Holy Spirit teaches.

            Pentecost is the time when we focus on what the Holy Spirit can do for us. It shows how we can be transformed by it into people who despite their past errors can confidently and boldly live out their Faith in a world which seeks to makes things happen by doing something different: letting God do it.

June 5, 2022