Picture yourself with Mary, our Blessed Mother, and the Apostles during the time of Pentecost. “And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit” [Acts 2:2–4]. How do we respond to this great gift from God?
By our accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, takes up residence in our hearts. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” [1 Corinthians 3:16]. Truly, “the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us” [Romans 5:5].
As the Spirit lives within each of us, “let us also follow the Spirit” [Galatians 5:25]. That means obeying God’s will and reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily living. Doing so keeps our thoughts, our words, our deeds in union with the Holy Trinity.
Empowerment
Imagine what the Apostles felt—they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues. People who heard them speak were astounded and bewildered. Some even scoffed and said: “They have had too much new wine” [Acts 2:13].
What the Apostles had was a new life of love, bearing gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit to help lead others to redemption and salvation. As Peter the Apostle said: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit” [Acts 2:38]. By listening to the Holy Spirit in our hearts and following the Spirit’s promptings, our lives too can be transformed.
The Spirit of our Lord provides the courage, wisdom, and inner strength needed to face the unknown. “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control” [2 Timothy 1:7]. With the fortitude to step beyond our comfort zone, we can help lead others to Jesus Christ through our actions, service, and faith. We become instruments of God’s love in our lives, our communities, our nation, and our world.
Lead Kindly Light
So do not hide your light under a bushel basket. “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” [Matthew 5:16]. The Lord gives us the Holy Spirit to illuminate our way.
If we have any doubts, let us turn to Mary, our Blessed Mother. Our Lady knows full well the light of the Holy Spirit. Mary walked in that light her entire life, always staying on the path that God laid out for her. That path brought the Mother of Our Savior to the Upper Room with the Apostles.
Just as Mary’s presence helped teach the Apostles how to prepare their hearts for the Holy Spirit, our Blessed Mother’s presence teaches us. With obedience, trust, love, and a willingness to say yes—new life awaits us in the Holy Spirit. “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” [Colossians 3:17]. Come Holy Spirit come! Amen.
