The WORD in Other Words by Fr Atilano Corcuera SVD (Philippines)
Pentecost Sunday, Acts 2:1–11, 1 Cor 12:3b–7, 12–13 or Rom 8:8–17, Jn 20:19–23 or Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26
Today is the feast of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Blessed Irinity. In the Old Testament texts, the Holy Spirit is depicted as an active power through whom God himself is active in humans, the universe, history and nature.
Today, through the Holy Spirit, God enters our hearts. He dwells in us. By his power, sins are forgiven in the sacraments. This Spirit was given to us in our baptism and was strengthened in our confirmation. The Holy Spirit helps us to do God‘s will and make us a holy people.
Personally, I look at the Holy Spirit as power, but a very unique kind of energy. Ordinarily we equate power with force and violence, like big muscles, nuclear bombs or earthquakes. These are forces, however, that move from the outside in the forms of push, shove or threat.
The Spirit‘s power for me does not come from outside but from within. Gently He warms and guides me to do what is right. He enters my heart, softly whispers, almost like romancing or seducing me.
Amidst overwhelming distractions and temptations all around, I call on the Spirit to fill me with his power.
“Come Holy Spirit, come!”
