Like A House On Fire

The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a grand and glorious event. He came in wind and fire and shook the house where the disciples were gathered. Energized by the Spirit, they threw open the doors and rushed out into the streets, loudly proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ. Their response was so over the top, that they were accused of public drunkenness.

Our own encounter with the Holy Spirit lacks the drama and excitement of that first Pentecost Day. No wind or fire for us. No miraculous tongues. He comes instead in the washing of Baptismal water and the soft caress of sacred oil at Confirmation. Without fanfare he makes his dwelling place within us.

Compared to the events described in Sacred Scripture, our own encounter with the Holy Spirit may seem a bit dull and lacklustre. But don’t be fooled. There is nothing dull about the Holy Spirit. He is the Lord and Giver of Life. He is the energizing power of God at work in the world. Those possessed by the Spirit now live by the breath of God.

The Apostles spoke in tongues, the language of God, and so do we. We speak his mercy by forgiving our enemies and those who have sinned against us. We speak his compassion by our care for the lonely, the elderly, the sick and the dying. We speak his love for the poor by donating money, food, clothing and basic necessities to those in need. We speak his faithful love by our commitment to spouse and family. The list is endless. I’ll let you fill in the blanks.

Alive in the Spirit, we are fired with a passionate love for God. We yearn for communion with him in prayer, and hunger for the Eucharist. As children of God we hate and reject anything that comes between us and him. When sin enters our lives, we run to the Sacrament of Confession.

According to the Acts of the Apostles, that first Pentecost Day was a dramatic event. But our own personal Pentecost is no less exciting. The Holy Spirit is a consuming fire, a flame that never goes out. He breathes God’s life and love into our souls. And sends us out to transform and transfigure the world.

Msgr. Paul Zimmer
Pastor, St Clement Catholic Church, Etobicoke