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By Fr Francis Otobo
First Reading Acts 2:1-11
Second Reading 1 Cor 12:3-7, 12-13
Gospel Jn 20:19-23
Today, we celebrate the birth of the church. Our celebration reminds us of that fateful day when the Holy Spirit first came upon the church, transforming fearful and timid disciples into fearless and bold followers of Jesus. Luke, in Acts 2:1-11, offers us the narrative of the event. He informs us that when the day had come, the disciples (about 120 of them, Acts 1:15), were all together in one place.
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They listened to the words of Jesus to remain in Jerusalem till they have been clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Not only did they listen, they acted according to the word. It is interesting to note that while they were expecting the outpouring of the Spirit in accordance with the words of Jesus (Acts 1:5), they had no idea when this was going to happen. No date nor time frame was given to them. The simple instruction was to wait. So, they waited patiently. Herein lies the beauty of listening. When we listen to and abide by the word of the Lord, great things happen. That is why, in preparation for the Plenary Council, the church in her wisdom encouraged and admonished us to “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church today” (Rev 2:7). Indeed, the future of the church lies with listening to, and abiding by, what the Spirit is saying to the church today.
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Furthermore, Luke informs us that the disciples were all together constantly devoting themselves to prayers (Acts 1:14); being united heart and soul (Acts 2:43-47). This emphasises the unity and communion among the believers, thus enabling the condition for the arrival of the Holy Spirit who thrives not on division, disunity or discord, but on unity, peace and communion. In that unity of communion, the disciples were graced with the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). Freed from the state of fear, cowardice and timidity, the disciples received renewed strength and courage to face their fears and the world about them; their faith reinvigorated. With this, they did great things for God. You and I are the testimony of their great exploits.
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The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of mission, gave them the spiritual strength and necessary courage to activate their mission of witnessing (Acts 1:8). Without the Spirit, they couldn’t have… for they lived in fear. No wonder St Paul states in 1 Cor 12:3 that “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ unless that person is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.” Paul further encourages us to be bold in the faith and in living out the Gospel tenets, for, “God has given us not the spirit of fear or timidity, but of power and love…” (2 Tim 1:7). Where the Spirit of God is, there is no fear; only faith. The same Holy Spirit is still active in the church today. Celebrating Pentecost is, thus, celebrating our experiences of the Holy Spirit in the contemporary church evident in the manifestation of various charisms in the body of Christ. For Jesus promises to be with us in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit who is the Advocate (John 15:16).
Therefore, let us once again welcome and celebrate the Divine Spirit this day, letting go of everything that inhibits the joyful expressions of our faith. Let us pray that we may continue to yield to the leading, direction, and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We pray also that following the guidance of the Spirit we may continuously experience, in our lives, the fruits of joy, peace, love, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, and self-control (Gal 5:25-26). May we continue to enjoy this presence and continuously feel the warmth and the comfort of the transforming Spirit who is with us and in us (John 14:17). Alleluia! Amen!!
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