Our Sunday readings are filled with perplexity of the different unexplainable events. In the Acts of the Apostles the people describe that the area was shrouded with bewilderment; they couldn’t explain what was going on that day. Witnessing what looked like tongues of fire that rested on each of them, they were not fearful; instead, an inexplicable reality united them. It adds that people coming from different places and nation came as one and spoke in language that each of them understood. This might be an incredible event that never happened before.

The second reading, in my opinion, is a beautiful reality that St. Paul shared with the Corinthian people; “No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Paul may not only be saying this to the Corinthians, but also to us today. We may have different ways of serving and giving ourselves to others, but it is the same God and the same Spirit that define our giftedness.

 

All of theese events was about the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus promised; that he would never leave his apostles just like that, but he would send a helper who will empower each one of us.

 

In the Gospel reading Jesus’ greetings might be a source of contentment and consolations to the apostles from the fear that they have inside.; “Peace be with you” Peace which is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit attaining that kind of Peace that cones from trusting God. Jesus brought not only joy to the apostles but also the breath of life that contains the Holy Spirit encouraging them to continue to live in freedom. This would be a dream of many of us, to live in a stress free world, especially in the country where war, divisions, hatred are present. But how we could attain that peace? Cease fire, fostering dialogue or remain in silence? It’s not easy to live in peace if our relationships with our friends, family members, and neighbors are an unresolved problem and issue. Fr. Palau in his writings always reminded his daughters that “losing everything except the peace mind” is an important fact that we need these days. We need Peace in our hearts, world peace and peace of accepting each one us.

The coming of the Holy Spirit reminds us of different areas that we need to strengthen, and empower our giftedness. We can’t do anything without asking the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily discernment, forgiveness, acceptance of one another. Let us look inside ourselves to discover which part needs courage and more life. The birth of the Church is a new beginning, a new start to all of us receiving each one of us in our hearts with openness and freedom. We pray that those countries, individual and families were divisions exists that we may be filled by the Holy Spirit to transform us. We may use our giftedness in the service of many who are in great need.