REFLECTIONS TODAY
After his ascension to heaven, Jesus sends forth the Spirit as his first gift to the community of believers. In the First Reading we find the Apostles and other disciples huddled together, awaiting the Spirit’s coming. On the feast of Pentecost (corresponding to the Jewish feast of Shavuot celebrated 50 days after Passover), the Holy Spirit comes with the force of a driving wind, reminiscent of the Ruah or spirit/breath of God hovering over creation. Thus, a new beginning, a new creation, is taking place, forming a new People of God from all the nations of the earth, as evidenced by the glossolalia or “gift of tongues” that enables those gathered in Jerusalem to hear in their own native language what the Apostles were proclaiming. The curse of Babel, the “confusion of language” that dispersed the ancient peoples, is removed.
Throughout history the Spirit of Jesus is at work. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (n 688) teaches: The Holy Spirit is active: “in the Scriptures he inspired; in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely witnesses; in the Church’s Magisterium, which he assists; in the sacramental liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ; in prayer, wherein he intercedes for us; in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up; in the signs of apostolic and missionary life; in the witness of saints through whom he manifests his holiness and continues the work of salvation.”
The Holy Spirit gifts the Church with various “charisms” (Greek charismata) associated with specific abilities and activities that build up the Body of Christ. These “charismatic gifts” are supernatural graces granted to edify the Church and flows out to the whole humanity, namely: the word of knowledge and prophecy, increased faith, the gifts of healing and miracles, the discernment of spirits, the gifts of various tongues and interpretation of tongues; further on, the gifts of apostles, prophets, teachers, diakonia to the poor and sick, leadership in governance in the church community, etc. (1 Cor 12:8-11).
Again and again, the Church is reminded of her role for the whole of humanity: to gather the whole world to Christ, and offer Christ for the whole world. In the task of the New Evangelization, the bishops affirm that the main protagonist is the Holy Spirit dwelling within the Church: “Addressing this question together requires listening to the Holy Spirit, who like the wind ‘blows where it wills; you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes’ (Jn 3:8), remaining open to the surprises that the Spirit will certainly prepare for us along the way. Thus, a dynamism is activated that allows us to begin to reap some of the fruits of a synodal conversion, which will progressively mature. These are objectives of great importance for the quality of ecclesial life and for accomplishing the mission of evangelization, in which we all participate by virtue of our Baptism and Confirmation” (Preparatory Document, 16th Synod of Bishops 2021, n 2).
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.