The Collect of this great feast of Pentecost summons the Holy Spirit to continue to manifest the mysteries that we celebrate. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not something that we receive so as to be placed in a closet, with our other 'special' awards and certificates w have received. The Holy Spirit enlightens our hearts and minds, and empowers the ministry of the Church. These charisms are given to us (and the Body of Christ) to build unity and communion with God and others. The action here is the continuation of the mission and ministry of Christ.
As Catholics we come from an experience of Jesus Christ which is inclusive and large. While we speak many languages, we profess one truth. The Paschal Mystery is both a comfort for us as well as a challenge as to how we might form and live our lives. The Holy Spirit makes us zealous in that profession. Again, there can be no wall-flowers in the Body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit reminds us that we cannot reduce Christ to any one experieice or facet of our lives. We come to know Christ in the sacraments that we celebrate, the scriptures which are read, our communities, and our works of charity. Coming to know Christ in this multiplicity of manner, men and women, in and out of the Church, pass on what has been seen and heard.
More over in our faith community we have the structure of law, a magisterium, the hieracrhy and the theologians. In these places too the Holy Spirit makes known the saving power of God. These parts of our faith life walk with us along our journey of faith. While it is important that we encounter Jesus Christ in our heart, so that conversion and discipleship might take place, we have to know what we are doing and believing in.
The Holy Spirit teachs us to love the Triune God, and the creation which comes from God's love and mercy. Just as when we are in love we want everone else to know, the Spirit gives us to courage and strength to share the Good News of our faith.
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