Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33)
The disciples’ testimony that they “never even heard of the Holy Spirit” approximates the situation of many Christians today. All likely have heard of the Spirit but many have not experienced His transforming power. Their faith lacks the joy, peace, and love characteristic of the Spirit’s presence.
The Spirit comes to us in Baptism and is reinforced by the
other sacraments, especially Confirmation.
He is often activated by a robust community. Once this happens, the Christian not only
exhibits divine qualities but also catalyzes those qualities in others. On the other hand, the Spirit might be muted
by an environment with little feeling and wonder.
This Sunday, the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Church
celebrates the Holy Spirit. Many
Christians are preparing for the festivity by a novena calling for the Spirit
to manifest himself. We should join the
preparation, if only in a humble way. Praying
every day “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in
them the fire of your love” will wake us to the Spirit’s presence and open us
to his transforming power.
