Every ending offers the opportunity for a new beginning. That’s exactly the experience the Apostles had this past Sunday as we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. It was the end of hiding in the upper room, frightened of what would become of them. The Ascension of Jesus left them with a promise, but, in their humanity, they were not sure what was to come or what was to happen. We are fortunate enough to see the full picture; this was not their case.
With the coming down of the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost, there was no more fear. The apostles were filled with the gifts of the Spirit and courageously proclaimed the message of Jesus. They were filled with all the gifts of the Spirit – Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Reverence, Wonder, and Awe. The Church was born! We heard the stories and know of the conversions that took place; the apostles were no longer afraid. I love the image that Joyce Rupp shares, “God’s love being poured into us (the apostles)…God’s love doesn’t trickle down; God’s love is poured generously into our hearts.” The Apostles’ hearts were filled, and they could proclaim the mission left to them.
For us today, Pentecost reminds us that the mission of the Church is birthing in us every day. Do we allow for its growth? At our own Confirmation, we were given the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Have we taken the time to unwrap those gifts, or do they remain on a shelf in a closet? I just read that “Comfort provides a floor but also a ceiling” (Trevor Noah). Do I continue to stay in my comfort zone (the upper room)? Or am I willing to put myself out there using the gifts I’ve received?
I particularly like Joyce Rupp’s interpretation of the Fruits of the Spirit; she calls them ‘energies, dynamic sources of growth in us, the energies of God move us toward action.’ I love the word energy, it speaks to me of movement, and so it means going forward, moving out of the comfort zone. The Fruits help the Gifts come alive. We are living our mission, the mission Jesus asks us to spread. Perhaps we could take some time during the week to pray the Energies of the Spirit that Joyce shares in her book, May I Have This Dance.
Fruits of the Spirit:
When we come face to face with the challenge of self-giving, when we are asked to go the extra mile, to take the risk of reaching out to another, to offer forgiveness to the heart that rejects us.
Spirit of God, fill us with the energy of your LOVE.
When our world seems bleak, when we walk with sadness written on our soul, when we have days in which everything goes wrong.
Spirit of God, stir the energy of your JOY within us.
When anxiety and concern take over our Spirit, when restlessness or boredom holds sway over us, when our world cries out in distress and turmoil.
Spirit of God, deepen in us the energy of your PEACE.
On those days when we hurry too much, during those times when our anger flares because our agendas aren’t met, when we stop giving people our understanding and acceptance.
Spirit of God, draw us toward the energy of your PATIENCE.
When someone needs a simple gesture of thoughtfulness, when a look of love is all another asks from us, when a good word could take the sting out of the gossip foes.
Spirit of God, create in us the energy of your KINDNESS.
As we face the shadow of our inner world or peer into the darkness of our outer world, as we struggle to believe in our own gifts and blessings.
Spirit of God, strengthen in us the energy if your GOODNESS.
In those difficult times when fear threatens to drown our trust in you, during those experiences of growth when we are tempted to doubt all the ways we have known you.
Spirit of God, renew in us the energy of TRUSTING in you.
When harshness or abruptness dominates our moods, when we feel challenged by the power of another, when we use things of this good earth.
Spirit of God, bless us with the energy of your GENTLENESS.
As we walk on the edges of life and death, as we struggle with the disciplines of spiritual growth, as we yearn to be faithful amid the many changes of inner and outer growth.
Spirit of God, move us with the energy of your GUIDANCE.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
