Reflection on Pentecost

This weekend, we celebrate Pentecost - the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles (and the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to Catholic Tradition).

The disciples were gathered there, waiting for the "power from on High" as foretold by Jesus. All heaven broke lose, like a mighty thunderstorm. Fire filled the room and descended on each of them. This is unlike Babel, when God came down and confused the language of the builders of the tower. No, while those listening are confused, the confusion stems from the fact that those gathered for the Jewish Feast of Pentecost from all over the known world, of many languages and cultures, understand the words of those upon the Holy Spirit descended.

It is the Holy Spirit that unites all the gifts and brings true unity. The tower was a human project, based in pride. Now, with the power of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles and other disciples of Jesus Christ are united to proclaim and build the Kingdom.

Those discerning a vocation need to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten their hearts and minds. If one is called by the Holy Trinity to the priesthood or religious life, the Holy Spirit will guide all to their proper roles, and lead to the true vocation!

What better prayer than to pray the Sequence:

Come, Holy Spirit, come,
and from your celestial home
shed a ray of light divine.
Come, Father of the poor,
Come, source of all our store.
Come, within our bosoms shine.
You, of comforters best;
You the soul's most welcome guest.
Sweet refreshment here below.
In our labor, rest most sweet;
Grateful coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
O most Blessed Light Divine,
shine within these hearts of thine,
and our inmost being fill.
Where you are not, man has naught.
Nothing good in deed or thought
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away.
Bend the stubborn heart and will.
Melt the frozen, warm the chill.
Guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful, who adore.
And confess you, evermore.
In Your sev'nfold gift descend.
Give us virtue's sure reward.
Give us your salvation, Lord.
Give us joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.