The Spirit Who Dwells Within
Come, Holy Spirit, Fill the Hearts of the Faithful and Enkindle in Us the Fire of Your Love!
Today, as we celebrate Pentecost, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is not just a symbol or a memory of a distant event—it is a living, breathing presence that continues to move in our lives and in our Church today.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells His disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always… The Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14:15-16, 26). These words speak of intimacy, of a promise fulfilled, and of a divine companionship that is constant and unshakable.
The Holy Spirit is more than just a helper; He is God’s very breath in us, reminding us of truth, igniting our hearts with courage, and transforming our fears into faith. He does not descend only once in history. Pentecost is not merely a feast of remembrance, but a present-moment invitation: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love.”
As our pastor beautifully shared, Pentecost in the Old Testament was the Feast of Harvest—a time to offer the first fruits in thanksgiving to God. However, in the New Testament, this feast acquired a new and greater significance. It marked the beginning of a new harvest: the birth of the Church, empowered by the Spirit to go forth and bear fruit that will last.
This outpouring of the Spirit fifty days after Easter was no ordinary event. Flames danced above the heads of the apostles. Tongues were loosed. Hearts were emboldened. Unity was born from diversity as people of different languages and cultures heard the same message of Christ, each in their tongue. What once was fear became a fearless proclamation. What once was confusion became conviction. What once was hiding became heralding.
That same Spirit is offered to us today.
Jesus promised that those who love Him and keep His word will not be alone. The Father and the Son will come and make their dwelling in them. Imagine that—the God of the universe taking up residence in the human heart! We are temples of the Holy Spirit, and this means our lives are meant to radiate something divine. Not perfection, but presence. Not performance, but power.
So today, may we not merely observe Pentecost as a liturgical celebration. May we experience it.
May we allow the Spirit to enkindle in us a love that moves beyond comfort zones. A love that forgives. A love that speaks truth. A love that witnesses Christ, not just with words, but with lives set ablaze.
Let us pray:
Come, Holy Spirit. Fill us with your wisdom when we are unsure, your courage when we are afraid, your unity when we feel divided, and your fire when we grow weary. Dwell within us. Transform us. Send us. Amen.