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The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The account of the Holy Spirit coming on the day of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles is a very familiar one. When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples a few days later, their transformation was immediate and lasting – changing from a cowering, frightened group of men hiding in the upper room into a band of confident evangelists, telling everyone the good news about JESUS. JESUS had promised them that the Spirit was coming. The Spirit, unlike JESUS, would always be with
them – and by extension, with us.
But the Spirit also brought the inward effects of helping, teaching, convicting of sin and peace-bringing. This outpouring was not just for a select few disciples – it was for all people of every language and race. In the book of Genesis, for example, we are told how people of the world were scattered and confused after trying to become like GOD. At Pentecost,
we see people coming back together again in GOD’s way and in GOD’s timing.
The Spirit – who was involved in the creation of the earth – now returns to renew the face of the earth. In doing so He gives courage to JESUS’ followers to ‘declare the wonders of GOD.
JESUS’ work on earth was complete; but the Spirit came, not as a replacement for JESUS, but to perform a parallel role as guide, comforter and counsellor – so that all of us down the centuries could have the benefit of GOD’s presence in our lives. The Spirit is given equally to everyone – all of us are filled. The Holy Spirit is a gift of love to everyone who calls on the name of the LORD.
This year’s Gospel for Pentecost – from John 14: 8-17 – provides us with a toolbox of reminders of how the Holy Spirit helps us:
• The first item in our toolbox is a pair of working boots – they help us to be strong and protect us from harm. They help us to walk boldly. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to do whatever GOD requires.
• The next item is a wedding ring – when a couple get married, the exchanging of rings signifies a promise made to be always faithful to each other. JESUS promised that the Holy Spirit wouldn’t just come and visit occasionally to see how we are getting on. Instead, He promised that the Holy Spirit would always be with us.
• The third item in our toolbox is a map and a compass. Like a map and a compass, the Holy Spirit shows us the right way to go; and helps us to know the truth about GOD.
• The next item is a heart – that lives in us. JESUS lived on the earth as a human; so, it wasn’t physically possible for Him to be with everybody all at the same time. By the Holy Spirit, JESUS is always inside us – prompting us to do things GOD’s way and to follow His example.
• The fifth item is a textbook – that can teach what we seek to learn. The Holy Spirit teaches us everything we need to know to follow GOD. He helps us understand what we read in the Bible. He helps us to be obedient. Without the Holy Spirit, we would struggle to do things GOD’s way; but He teaches us everything.
• The final item is a diary – to remind us of what JESUS said. The Holy Spirit reminded the disciples of what JESUS taught them and He reminds us of the things we’ve learnt. I think most, if not, all of us would have experienced this at some time during our lives. The Holy Spirit also reminds us of GOD’s love at times when life is tough; and He encourages us to do the right thing when we’re tempted to go wrong.
This is what the Spirit does for us.
This is why GOD gives us His Spirit. But what effect should the Holy Spirit have upon us?
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples couldn’t help but talk about GOD. They told others of the wonderful things GOD had done. In fact, they couldn’t keep all this amazing news inside them. It was a case of it just bursting out of them. The Holy Spirit helps us respond excitedly to the wonderful things GOD has done. He will help us tell others the news – just like the first disciples.
The presence of the HOLY SPIRIT was heralded by the breath of JESUS, the sound of a mighty wind and the appearance of tongues of fire. Like fire, the Spirit both destroys and creates. Being the Spirit of Christ, which is a Spirit of love coming from the Father, it burns the sins of humanity through forgiveness. From Pentecost, the Church took on its missionary role. The timid and frightened Apostles, transformed by the Spirit, burst forth onto the streets and fearlessly preached the Good News about the mighty acts of
God. Ever since, the Holy Spirit has been a permanent presence and a tower of strength in guiding, guarding and directing the Church.
The Holy Spirit is a gift of the Father and of the Son to us this Pentecost. 
De Colores
Fr Steve