Pentecost is Greek which means the “50th day” after Easter in the church calendar. Such a festive occasion recalls the “birth” of the Church. Holy scripture in Acts chapter 2 in the New Testament recalls the coming of the Holy Spirit enabling those disciples that were gifted with tongues of fire to proclaim a language the devout Jews were able to understand. The Jews questioned how these Galileans, Parthians, Medes, Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, et. al might speak a language that could be universally understood.
One may reflect on Old Testament writings in Genesis, chapter 11, in which the Lord God didn’t like the tower being built to the heavens. God confused their language to cast misunderstanding to the people so that the tower would not come to completion. This tower is Babel for which we have the definition of confused noise. One might attribute such an occurrence to “baby babel” in which God our Father had to intervene for His children.
Comparing these two scripture accounts has a theme of communication and revelation. It is that filial love relationship between God the Father & God the Son that creates that outpouring of the Holy Spirit to reveal His saving mission to us in the world. The Holy Spirit was made manifest after God revealed Himself in the second person of Christ Jesus to show us the way to salvation.
As I reflect on this idea of communication and revelation I am left with the following: we can’t necessarily see the Holy Spirit, yet know that the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost is made manifest to us in the sacramental life and works of God (Opus Dei). For myself, I recently had some strange coincidental situations where I was in prayer asking for guidance. Only later did God reveal the help I needed through the works of others in a subtle manner that can be attributed to divine providence and grace working in my life.
Have you ever had that moment that made you think and wonder about how miracles or situations occur during trying times only to attribute such an instance to fate or good luck? Perhaps, you may be looking for signs from God and fail to hear the gentle whisper of the Spirit because you are busy creating your own Tower of Babel?
Recently, I attended a perpetual Eucharistic adoration for a few hours only to be emboldened and energized by such an amazing turnout at my local parish. It was great to see so much fervor. My wife, Angela, was also was spiritually energized by such a turnout. Those humble moments spent on our knees in prayer during the quiet times of contemplation are the workings of the Holy Spirit to help us decipher and revel in the spiritual noise and music of our Lord! Let us not question the noises of the Spirit like the Jewish skeptics but prepare our hearts and souls for those moments when tongues of fire might enlighten us. Veni Sancte Spiritus!
May the Lord bless you and keep you this day and allow His Spirit to dwell in you as being made in His image.
StreetEvangelist 