This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
Jesus tells us that the Spirit blows where He wills, like the wind (cf. Jn. 3:8).
Sometimes the wind is a storm gale; sometimes it is a warm, gentle summer zephyr.
The Holy Spirit is ungovernable; He suffers not to be constrained or bottled up.
Jesus promises us that anyone who asks will receive the Holy Spirit (cf. Lk. 11:13).
Yet, the Holy Spirit has demands, as a condition for His indwelling. He demands to transform us, not the other way around. He is the Spirit of truth; He is no mere force to add power behind our own opinions and preferences. In the end, He is a Spirit of humility, and He only abides with those who learn humility, patience, and obedience from Him.
For those who ask insistently for the Holy Spirit and submit to His way, He brings joy, peace, security, certainty, courage, wisdom, strength.
The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to the Church at Pentecost, accessible to each one of us. If we want to possess this gift in its fullness, all we need do is ask.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Ask Jesus for a gift of the fullness of the Holy Spirit in your heart. Tell Him that you are indifferent as to whether that gift be perceptible or imperceptible, ardent or quiet–that you long for the Spirit who will give you the ability to persevere in obedience to God’s will and facilitate the salvation and sanctification of others.
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