Whit Sunday (Pentecost) – Year C

Scientists tell us that life on Earth would not be possible without oxygen, sunlight/heat, and water. It is very interesting that almost every manifestation of the Holy Spirit takes place through one of these elements. Today we see the Spirit manifesting through a powerful wind and through fire/light. Just as the human body dies without these elements, so too our soul’s life—no matter what we do—is dead without the Holy Spirit. The Christian and the Church without the Holy Spirit are a lifeless body.

In the second reading, St Paul gives us a very powerful message. He tells us that whoever puts their trust in the works of the flesh reaps only death; whereas whoever places their trust in the Spirit reaps eternal life. Where am I placing my trust—in the flesh or in the Spirit of God? What is the deepest desire of my life: to do what I want, or the will of God revealed to me through the Spirit who dwells within me?

Some people do not care about what the Spirit of God wants. Others try to find a compromise between their own desires and the Spirit’s will. But the saints always said yes to the Holy Spirit, and so He poured grace upon grace on them. The more a person says a genuine “yes” to the Spirit of God, the more He continues to pour out His graces upon them.

This is why the saints amaze us—not because they were born special or had unique talents, but because they always said “yes” to the Spirit, and the Spirit continued to pour His gifts on them. The Apostles were not particularly gifted men; in fact, we know they made many mistakes. But with total sincerity, they allowed Jesus to shape them with His Word so that when they received the Holy Spirit, they were transformed completely.

So what must we do? We must become people of prayer, because through prayer, the Spirit gradually transforms us and shows us His plan for our lives. Secondly, we must give a special place to the Word of God in our lives, because the Word is the school of the Spirit. And thirdly, we must never lose heart, because the Holy Spirit pours His gifts upon us to strengthen us along the way.

Holy Spirit of God, come upon us. Make us resemble Jesus so that we may be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Pour out your gifts upon us in abundance, and fill the whole world with the beauty of your presence that shines in the saints of our time. Amen.