Advocate

   

 Pentecost Sunday

5 June 2022 

 

First Reading: ACTS 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: PS 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading: 1 COR 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: JN 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

"Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth"

Today is Pentecost Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Virgin Mary with the other disciples following the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ and it marks  beginning of the Christian church's mission to the world.

Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire f your love.

In a world, in our country, community or even our own family much need of love and reconciliation, the Holy Spirit arrives like a strong gust of wind to liberate us from our dark places of isolation, loneliness, disappointment, and woundedness. The Holy Spirit comes and fills our thoughts with hope and the knowledge that we have not been left alone. The reconciling presence of the Holy Spirit connects our differences. The Holy Spirit breaks through our boundaries and walls so we may hear each other just as we are.

Sadly, we often try to figure out things on our own, not realizing that help comes from the Holy Spirit, the advocate. The Holy Spirit will make things plain to us. The Lord's wisdom is what we need, especially in these challenging times. He reveals His perspective through an insight, lyrics of a song, or an incident. Then we're able to deal with adversities with the peace that only He can give.

Let's make it a habit to always call on the Holy Spirit no matter how trivial it may seem like finding a parking slot in the mall. But for me, it always works! I would always pray to the Holy Spirit to find me a slot and always, always He never fails. Jesus promised our Advocate, the Holy Spirit. Let's always call on Him to ask for wisdom and understanding and pray that we may always bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and we can make this world a better place.

My friends, let us invite the Holy Spirit to break down the walls of a stubborn heart, heals the broken, melts the frozen, and guides our steps. We are in much need of the reconciling presence of the Spirit, which draws us into communion with each other, yes, other members of the body of Christ.

Come, Holy Spirit, rest on us, dwell in us, stay with us.

Prayer

O Holy Spirit, soul of my soul, light of my life, enlighten, guide, strengthen, and console me. Tell me what I ought to do. Command me to do them, I promise to be submissive to everything that happens to me. Only show me what is your Holy Will. Amen.