Pentecost Sunday

The Descent of the Holy Spirit, Jacques Blancard, 1634. Notre Dame, Paris, France. 

Dynamic. That is the word that comes to mind when I think about Pentecost. The third person of the Trinity serves as a witness to the action and will of God here on Earth, sent by Jesus Christ to dwell with us forever. The Holy Spirit is just that - a person. Personal and near to us, wanting to be in a relationship with us. This relationship is constantly in activity, evolving, and energetic. 

Our activity as Christians should reflect what we believe. If we believe that Jesus died and was resurrected, then sent us the Holy Spirit to dwell with us until He comes again, we should live out that belief. We must accept the gift of the Holy Spirit that is granted us in the gift of baptism, reaffirmed and activated more deeply at confirmation, and rekindled every time we receive the sacraments. The Holy Spirit supercharges and makes fruitful our activity because it connects us to the vine of grace. 

The spiritual life is one of conversion and evolution. We have the privilege to undergo continual conversion in our lives to become holier and like God. The Holy Spirit dwelling in us cannot help but walk with us through loving purification so that we are more like Him. Through living out our lives as Christians, we are witnesses to the Gospel and will call others to conversion. It is through conversions that evolution can take place over generations. I am the first Catholic in my family and sometimes I imagine how incredible it is that I now have children who I will raise in the Catholic faith. There are more believers in this world because of me answering God’s call for my life. Whether you are a physical parent or not, you can bring more souls to Christ and grow the Kingdom of God. 

This painting is so energetic and is a wonderful depiction of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is descending down after Jesus has ascended into heaven. God cannot stay away from His people and desires to be even closer than dwelling on earth as a man. You can see in this painting flicks of fire that are coming down from heaven, representative of the Holy Spirit. Everyone has their own reaction and response to receiving this gift. Men and women, both are present here. God does not discriminate who He descends upon, if only they believe and accept Him. The Holy Spirit enriches and energizes our lives so that we can go out on mission and do the will of the Father. 

As we move forward in the liturgical year, may we feel the dynamic movement of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us. Listen to the promptings of the Lord to believe boldly and live the life He is calling you to.