Come Holy Spirit

For these last several weeks we have read the journey of the early Church, from the Acts of the Apostles.  While early on this community is described as one guided by the Word of God and in love, the stories certainly indicate various challenges and moments of consternation.  As we know his will continue for the next two thousand years. 

This is the post-Pentecost Church.  But what we find is that this body of believers, when they succeed, rely on the wisdom, knowledge, and right-judgment, of the Holy Spirit.  When the Church allows itself to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, we see a Body alive with faith and faithfulness.  Certainly the celebration of the sacraments communicate the outpouring of the Spirit as they indicate a communion with God.

The was a movie some years ago called the Apostle.  In it a talented and articulate preacher enjoys the fruits of his ministry as he leads faith communities and gatherings.  His wife commits adultery.  Becoming enraged he seriously batters his wife's lover.  He runs away, changes his name, and now leads tent revivals.  During this time people come to faith, and find healing and peace in their lives.  The preacher at the end is so moved by the power of the Word of God, he sets out to make things right.

The power of the Holy Spirit will not be dissuaded by our sins and brokenness.  The Holy Spirit can work in us and through us despite our hurts and sin.  To be sure the Spirit seems to do best through frail human instruments.  Perhaps this is why I keep going back to the book Jesus Freaks.  Ordinary folks are transformed into living witness who proclaim Good News, seeking the truth of the value and worth that is part of all humanity.  Our faith history is full of men and women who seek the good, beautiful, and true, becoming transformed themselves, and seeking the transformation of the Church, and even the world.

Through the Holy Spirit we are perfected and drawn into the unity and communion which is God.   The Paschal mystery is not some eschatological reality, but part of our profession of faith.  So we pray to the Holy Spirit to guide and direct all of our endeavors in the name of Jesus.