We have reached the end of our 50-day celebration of Resurrection, and we mark the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This Holy Spirit enabled the frightened apostles to leave their place of safety and preach for the first time about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We learn from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, that “those who accepted [Peter’s] message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day” to the followers of Jesus.
I have always felt that the Holy Spirit is the most difficult to understand of the three persons of the Trinity. I recently heard a thought-provoking Homily that looked at what the Holy Spirit does for us. I would like to share these insights with you today as you consider how the Holy Spirit acts in our lives.
The Homilist was defining the word Advocate from John 14:16 by looking at the Greek roots of the word. First, this Advocate is like a defense lawyer who speaks to God on our behalf. Think vindicator, supporter, one who exonerates and acquits. The Holy Spirit is also a wise counselor who gives us advice or guidance. Finally, the Holy Spirit is also a consoler and comforter. Jesus may have left us bodily but has not left us orphans. Jesus sent us one who lives within us to stand by us, guide us, and give us solace in trying times.
Opportunity for Reflection: What is your understanding of the Holy Spirit? Has there been a time in your life when you needed vindication, direction, or comfort, and you felt that God the Holy Spirit was there to help you? In what ways do you need the Spirit’s help in the present?
History: At the time of Jesus, Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival called Shavuot. It was celebrated 50 days after Passover. The firstfruits of the harvest were presented to God with thanksgiving. The Jewish feast also remembers the giving of the law to Moses on Mt Sinai.
Today: Acts 2:4 relates that the Spirit enabled people to speak and understand many languages on this day of Pentecost. I can’t help thinking about our nation and today’s controversies about immigrants and about diversity. What role does the Church play in “welcoming the stranger” and in immigration on this feast of people speaking in multiple languages?