Pentecost is when God the Father sends the Holy Spirit on the Church. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you” (John 14:26).

The Holy Spirit is the voice that speaks even in the midst of our pain. He summons us even in (and especially in) our difficulties. Transformed by the Spirit, the Christian enters more deeply into the painful places of the world to be a sign of God’s grace: “As they pass through the Baca valley, they find spring water to drink” (Ps 84:7). The Holy Spirit enters the Christian in such a way that the source of the gift is located within the person, just as the apprentice internalizes the trade from the action of the master craftsman.

As an upward surge that moves forth from strong and abundant foundations, the fountain is an image for the spiritual life. In fountains, water leaps into action. So, too, in us, as Blessed Columba Marmion emphasizes, through Baptism and Confirmation the Holy Spirit becomes a living fountain in the soul of the Christian.

The Holy Spirit surges within us, not to control us, but to prompt, influence, and direct us in the way of God’s grace. He is not like a water cannon that compels and forces us; he is like that fascinating fountain that invites us and calls us deeper. He bestows sanctifying grace on the soul so that the Trinity may dwell within us and we may become a new creation.

From the very beginning of the Church, the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer is visible to others (cf. Acts 6:5; 9:17; 11:24; 13:52). The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the Holy Spirit as “the artisan of God’s works.” The Holy Spirit is not meant to be isolated as a private possession of the person. We don’t drop the Holy Spirit’s name so as to control other people or get what we want, even spiritually.

The Holy Spirit is always acting. He prompts the believer by means of the grace of God. We are pliable in God’s hands. He molds us to be like Himself. This molding takes place over time, because our patterns of self-concern, sin, and worry yield only gradually to concern for others, grace, and faithful originality.

Pentecost is approaching. The Holy Spirit is already moving in our hearts. Let us be attentive to His impulse.

God bless,
Msgr. Bransfield