Some people have said to me, “I don’t really understand this Pentecost event as being “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:1-11).
Then I’ve reminded them of what a friend once told me, that Life isn't about understanding the mystery of God. It’s more about experiencing it. Jesus taught us that, when he said the Kingdom of God is “within” us (Lk 17). Baptism gives us one of the most awesome gifts that Jesus promised to and gave to us, the gift of the Holy Spirit (which we celebrate in a special way every Pentecost). It is the Holy Spirit that leads us to truth, by opening our eyes to ourselves, our world and to Jesus. It is intended by God that we experience his presence right now.
Too often we worry about the future, or even the past. When we complicate our life with such undue concerns, it makes it almost impossible to live in the present. Many of us have a favourite way to reduce the stressful demands on us. That usually means waiting for “later,” such as going to the beach, snow or mountains to relax. Or maybe you have an occasional hobby such as gardening or visiting museums. All of these are helpful. But we also need ways to relax and experience the presence of God during the pressing demands and stresses of the day.
First of all, we need to focus on God, and deliberately look for his fingerprints in all of the things that he has created in nature. Can I see Jesus in my neighbour, and can he/ she see Jesus in me? After all, if we’re truly living the Christian life to the fullest, then we should be a mirror image of Jesus. But, if that mirror-image isn’t there, what steps do I need to take to place it there? Do I really act like I believe the Spirit of God dwells within me?
It is most important to remember that on that first Pentecost the believers were all gathered in one place, and as usual, were praying; their focus was on the Lord, who had promised them an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This special mystery of God is experienced with the eyes of faith, a gift that enables us to believe in his presence within us.
Then I’ve reminded them of what a friend once told me, that Life isn't about understanding the mystery of God. It’s more about experiencing it. Jesus taught us that, when he said the Kingdom of God is “within” us (Lk 17). Baptism gives us one of the most awesome gifts that Jesus promised to and gave to us, the gift of the Holy Spirit (which we celebrate in a special way every Pentecost). It is the Holy Spirit that leads us to truth, by opening our eyes to ourselves, our world and to Jesus. It is intended by God that we experience his presence right now.
Too often we worry about the future, or even the past. When we complicate our life with such undue concerns, it makes it almost impossible to live in the present. Many of us have a favourite way to reduce the stressful demands on us. That usually means waiting for “later,” such as going to the beach, snow or mountains to relax. Or maybe you have an occasional hobby such as gardening or visiting museums. All of these are helpful. But we also need ways to relax and experience the presence of God during the pressing demands and stresses of the day.
First of all, we need to focus on God, and deliberately look for his fingerprints in all of the things that he has created in nature. Can I see Jesus in my neighbour, and can he/ she see Jesus in me? After all, if we’re truly living the Christian life to the fullest, then we should be a mirror image of Jesus. But, if that mirror-image isn’t there, what steps do I need to take to place it there? Do I really act like I believe the Spirit of God dwells within me?
It is most important to remember that on that first Pentecost the believers were all gathered in one place, and as usual, were praying; their focus was on the Lord, who had promised them an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This special mystery of God is experienced with the eyes of faith, a gift that enables us to believe in his presence within us.
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