At Pentecost, the seven weeks of Easter come to their fulfilment. Before he ascended into heaven Jesus told his apostles to stay in Jerusalem where after a few days they would be baptised with the Holy Spirit. Jesus had previously promised that the Father would send them the Spirit of truth; another advocate who would help them and be with them for ever. (John 14:16) The Paschal Mystery is completed in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, manifested, given and communicated as a divine person.

Pentecost is the full revelation of the Holy Trinity. It is often spoken of as the birthday of the Church: the Spirit descends upon the Apostles, Mary and the other men and women gathered with them in the Upper Room and empowers them to announce, bear witness, make present and spread the Good News of the dance of love that is the Trinity. The mission of Christ and the Spirit is brought to completion in the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, we can lead lives that will bear much fruit. The more we renounce ourselves and accept the power of the Spirit, the more our lives will shine in the world with the fruits of love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galations 5:25)

The outpouring of the Spirit also unites us and reminds us of the special dignity of all people, created in the image and likeness of God and loved by God from before the creation of the world. The Spirit offers nourishment, healing and fullness of life to each and every person, from conception to the natural end of life.

“                        Holy Spirit, sweet guest of my soul, abide in me and grant that I may always abide in You.”