Come, Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is at work in our lives just as He was in the lives of the Apostles. In the Acts of the Apostles, we can see His works. At Pentecost, God’s wonders were proclaimed in languages that those gathered there could understand. Hence the need to place importance on proclaiming God’s wonders. What has He done for me? What has He enabled me to do for Him? What marvellous things is He doing for others and in the world? What marvellous things are others doing for him? Pope Francis reminds us to remember God’s blessings. Proclaiming God’s marvellous works for us is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s action, just as it was for the Apostles at Pentecost.

Proclamation of the Word of God

One of the most significant works of the Holy Spirit within us is the ability to proclaim the Good News, the Word of God. Saint Paul says that no one can say that Jesus is Lord without the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3). Here, too, we understand this as the proclamation of the Word of God. Pope Paul VI says that training in evangelisation is good, but without the Holy Spirit it is in vain. Evangelisation is therefore the direct work of the Holy Spirit. In the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostles devote themselves to the work of evangelisation. They undertake long and often perilous journeys; they are persecuted and threatened, yet they continue to evangelise. After Jesus’ death, they were afraid of the Jews. After Pentecost, the Spirit drove them everywhere to proclaim the Good News. Anyone in whom the Holy Spirit is at work cannot help but evangelise. They will overcome all fears and all obstacles and share the life of God with others.

Conversion

Conversion is the result of the work of God’s Word within us. If people are not sufficiently converted, it is because they have not truly heard God’s Word. ‘How can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?’ (Romans 10:14–17). We must seek ways to proclaim the Word of God effectively and in a language that others understand; that is to say, using methods that enable them to take the Word of God to heart. When the Word of God is proclaimed effectively, as at Pentecost, conversions follow: ‘On that day 3,000 were added to their number’ (Acts 2:41). Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit. Anyone in whom the Holy Spirit is at work will be increasingly converted. Those who do not convert are hindering the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Christian community

A true and healthy Christian community is the work of the Holy Spirit. Those who receive the Holy Spirit, those in whom He is at work, must not only belong to the wider community of the Church, but also strengthen the smaller communities and groups within which they find themselves. ‘All who had become believers were united’ (Acts 2:42–47). Being part of a church group, growing within it and committing oneself to it is therefore the work of the Holy Spirit. But this must lead us to integrate fully into the normal life of the wider Church community, by receiving the sacraments properly.

Miracles

The Holy Spirit works miracles within the Church and the community. We must not refuse to pray that the Holy Spirit might work signs amongst us, in our lives, which may seem impossible, for ‘nothing is impossible with God’, whilst not being greedy for them. He listens to us and He acts.

Persecution and martyrdom

In the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostles are beaten, thrown into prison and killed. Because of our love for God, because we belong to him, because of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us and because of the conversions that take place, we will be persecuted. Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If you were of the world, the world would love you. But since they have persecuted me, they will persecute you too’ (Jn 14:18–20). Following Jesus involves suffering, sacrifice and the cross. These will include, amongst other things, suffering inflicted by others, suffering in order to love others, suffering in order to love God, and difficulties in accepting God’s will. Jesus said, ‘Whoever wishes to follow me must take up their cross daily and follow me’. Fortunately, the presence of the Holy Spirit within a person enables them to give praise even in the face of persecution. Just as Paul and Silas sang God’s praises whilst in prison (Acts 16:22–34).

Consecration to God

The early Christian community appointed deacons (Acts 6:1–7). It is not enough simply to take an interest in God and love him a little, for ‘you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… ’ (Mark 12:30). Many people regard God in their lives as just one element amongst many. But God must take first place. I must consecrate myself entirely to God, living only for him. Here, many are afraid and hesitate; they give a little, but not their whole life to God. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to help us consecrate ourselves to him. Let us entrust to him those who are specially consecrated, such as priests, religious brothers and sisters, and full members. Let us pray for our family members that they may love God completely. Let us pray that he may help us to make resolutions of total consecration.

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

If we truly pray to the Holy Spirit, if we live according to His leading, He will help us in the areas mentioned above and enable us to bear much fruit (Gal 5:21–22). Come, Holy Spirit.

Henri Bayemi