A Reflection for Pentecost (Whitsun) by Fr. Gareth Ingham
For ten days the disciples have been without Jesus; as if they have been torn away from him. They may have been left alone but they remain faithfully confident and steadfast in His promise.
‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. John 14:15-17
With that steadfast confidence in their hearts, the disciples turn to prayer, trusting in the teaching of Jesus,
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ Luke 11:13
With the words of Jesus on their hearts, the disciples pray earnestly to receive the gift of the promised Holy Spirit.
‘Come Holy Spirit’
A simple prayer beginning in the upper room where the disciples had gathered to carry out Jesus’s command, to wait and pray. These expectant words remain with us today and they have become a central prayer of the Church.
‘Come Holy Spirit’.
Although the disciples will continue to face injustice and violence for their faith, the arrival of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost changes everything. It will be their comforter and advocate. Whereas for the world and its rulers, it will become a sign of God’s judgement.
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
‘Come Holy Spirit’
On the Day of Pentecost, with the sound of a rushing wind, divided tongues as of fire rested on each person present. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke in many languages.
The Holy Spirit didn’t just alight on one or two of people, but it rested on all who were present. The charisma or gift of the Holy Spirit is for all those who have been baptised, not just for the Bishop or Priest, but for everyone.
The Holy Spirit is also the bringer of unity. Evil accuses and scatters, but the goodness brought by the spirit draws us closer together. It brings unity and leads us to act for the common good, recognising our diversity, and uniting us in heart and soul.
On that day in the Upper Room, the Church in the world was born, and today as we celebrate Pentecost and the arrival of the third person of the Trinity, we are all invited to pray.
‘Come Holy Spirit’.
Amen
Fr. Gareth Ingham
Priest in Charge – The Benefice of CRIFTINS with DUDLESTON and WELSH FRANKTON
and The Benefice of PETTON with COCKSHUTT, WELSHAMPTON, and LYNEAL with COLEMERE.
Feature Image: Pentecoste_Giotto_Padua, Wikicommons, PD.