Fifty days after Christ has risen came the Holy Spirit to the apostles. According to the Gospel of John (Chapter 20, verses 19-23), Jesus revealed Himself once more to the apostles, blessed them with the Holy Spirit, and sent them on a mission.
The Holy Spirit can be regarded as an entity among the Holy Trinity that appears in different forms. God the Father is usually represented in arts as a bearded old man aged with wisdom. Christ is oftentimes depicted crucified on the cross. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, has the most varying representation of all three. In the Gospel of Luke (Chapter 3, verse 22), the holy spirit is described as a dove.During the Pentecost, it is described as “tongues of fire” in the Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 2). This is a tremendously wonderful symbolism because it did put the apostles on fire. Such fire gave them an unimaginable courage, wisdom, and faith. In the 2nd Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, Peter and the rest of the 11 remaining Apostles addressed the people that God has made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Messiah. Those who accepted the Peter’s message, around three thousand souls, were baptized. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The church was formed. No wonder the Pentecost is considered as the “birthday” of the Catholic Church.
During Pentecost we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the mass this morning, Father Larry Paz of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu lead in prayer to the Holy Spirit to bless the faithful and grant them gifts – gift of courage, gift of patience, gift of silence, gift of health, gift of wisdom. “Halina Espiritu Santo, kinakailangan kita. Sigla at lakas ng mahina, pag-asa ka naming lahat” echoed within the Church as the faithful together prayed.
The weeks of Easter has ended. Classes starts today and the streets will be busy as ever. Before we go back to our “ordinary” lives, let’s a have a moment and reflect this Pentecost. Today, let’s reflect
and ask ourselves, What do we do with our talents? Do we use it to do good or inflict harm? Do we share our blessings or keep it to ourselves? Do we turn a blind eye to those in need despite the riches that we hold? Keep the fire of the Holy Spirit always alive. Do good; serve; and always pray. (Lea Basilio)
