COME HOLY SPIRIT, COME!
In just about a fortnight, we will conclude Eastertide with the great feast of Pentecost or the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The intervening Sunday readings prepare us for that celebration. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit or the Paraclete when He says: “I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever” (Jn 14:16).
Scripture scholar, Raymond Brown writes that the Paraclete is a witness in defense of Jesus and a spokesman for him in the context of his trial by his enemies; the Paraclete is a consoler of the disciples for he takes Jesus’ place among them; the Paraclete is a teacher and guide of the disciples and thus their helper. Thus, we find the varied roles taken on by the Holy Spirit. The Paraclete coming from Parakletos is one called to be alongside, just as we have a lawyer pleading our case or someone consoling us while we are in distress.
The Holy Spirit who was present since the beginning of time would take on a more prominent role once Jesus would leave the company of his disciples. The Holy Spirit’s mission would not be to add something new rather His task would be a rekindling in the hearts of the disciples, God’s love by reminding them all that Jesus taught.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis stressed the important role of the Holy Spirit when he stated that: “As Church, we can have well-defined times and spaces, well-organized communities, institutes and movements, but without the Spirit, everything remains soulless.”
Having been baptised and also had our Confirmation (an early account found in today’s First Reading) may we strive to have an even greater openness to the Holy Sprit’s guidance in our lives and so fulfill our respective vocation. For all For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God (Rom8:14). As we prepare for Pentecost, I propose that we say this widely used prayer attributed to Cardinal Mercier:
O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You.
Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me.
Tell me what I should do; give me Your orders.
I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me
and to accept all that You permit to happen to me.
Let me only know Your Will.
Amen
Fr Alliston
