What the Holy Spirit does for me

     When we celebrate solemnity of Pentecost, attention is often focused on the role the Holy Spirit plays in the Church. This is understandable because the Holy Spirit is the life of the Church. Starting from the beginning at the upper room, it was the coming of the Spirit that emboldened the Apostles to go out and preach the Good news. However, this year, I want to focus on the individual Christian. What does the Holy Spirit mean for the individual Christian? The relationship between the Holy Spirit and the individual Christian  can be summarized with two words: Initiative and Participation. 
     Firstly, in relation to initiative, it is important to remember that the Holy Spirit must always be allowed to take the initiative. In the Acts of the Apostles, most versions of the Bible agree that the Holy Spirit came ‘suddenly.’ The writer of the Acts of the Apostles uses ‘suddenly’ to express the element of surprise. The Apostles were praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit, but they could not determine when the Spirit would come. The Holy Spirit took the initiative, and they followed his lead. In dealing with God, every Christian must desire to know what God wants and must always be ready to follow his will. Transcendence must always be allowed to illuminate our daily lives, even when we think we are in control. This is the major difference between Pentecost and Babel. At Pentecost, God was allowed to take the initiative, but at Babel, men and women wanted to play God. The results are there for all to see. This is important, especially in the context of prayer. We must never forget that what God has to say will always be more important than what we have to say. 
     Secondly, there is need for participation. Although the Holy Spirit takes the initiative, we need to take part in the life and work of the Spirit. After the Pentecost, Peter stood up and preached the Goodnews and more than 3000 were converted. God needs Christians who are willing to participate in living the life of the Spirit and carrying on the work of conversion. At confirmation, we are made soldiers of the faith. Are we ready to fight and work for God? It is important that we bear in mind that the Holy Spirit empowers us so that we might have the ‘power to express ourselves’ (Acts2:4). If you are empowered but you do not express yourself, it is simply a waste. 
     As we celebrate Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit renew our lives with His love. Amen.