Today we experience what the ancients longed to see. “Oh, that you would tear the heavens open and come down!” (Is. 63:19). At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit tore the heavens open, coming down in tongues of fire to change the apostles from men who cowered in fear to men who boldly proclaimed the risen Christ. Our baptism and confirmation give us the same boldness in the Truth!
The Blessed Virgin had already given consent to the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, her spouse, at the Annunciation. And she was there to prepare and accompany the apostles to be transformed forever from timidity to boldness in love.
But how do we live out that boldness?
Let God Do It
A friend told me today that she prays, “God lead me in your path, even if I know nothing about it.” The same thought has been on my mind lately. Because my prayer too often assumes that I am on the wrong path and I beg God to put me right.
But what would happen if I assumed that God hears my prayers, knows what he’s doing, has actually sent the Holy Spirit, and I’m on the right path without knowing it? Wouldn’t that change everything?
Low Confidence in Myself
I become discouraged when I rely too much on my own strength to become holy and do the virtuous thing. I see my failures and wonder whether I can ever do it.
Did I say “I”?
Confidence in the Spirit
Believing that God is guiding me—really believing it, though we may not see it—changes our attitude toward everything. It frees us from doubt and even self-doubt. Because it’s not about us, it’s about God working in us.
That kind of faith in our personal daily “pentecost,” which is about receiving rather than just doing, frees us to love without worrying about the results. It frees us to do that scary thing for God that will give someone else the courage to take holy risks. It frees us from worry about the future because we really believe that the good God is in control.
Big Plans
God has big plans for us! They include giving us everything we need to become the image of His Son, through whom and for whom we were created. And we know that’s just the beginning: he plans to keep us close to him forever in heaven.
I challenge you to live this week as if all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are yours, that they are already alive and active in you. I challenge you to take your eyes off your weaknesses and look instead at God’s victory in you, as you receive the tongues of fire he is sending you right this moment to his glory—and yours.
Scroll down and share one thing you can do this week to show boldness in love.
Love always,
Rose
JUDE MAHONEY
Invite the Holy Spirit to be with us in whatever we do: ” Come Holy Spirit.”
Thank God for another beautiful day. Joy be to you, JUDE
Rose Folsom
So true — if we invite him to guide us, it cuts way down on the anxiety of wondering if we’re doing God’s will.
Suzanne Landis
I will reach out in love and the power of the Holy Spirit by Zoom and telephone to family members who have little or no belief in the..presence of God in their lives. I will speak with enthusiasm about the joy of Pentecost and the assurance of the Spirit working on my life.
Colleen
Lovely message! Pentecost a great day for beginnings – especially receiving the Eucharist for the first time in two months!
Rose Folsom
So happy for you! We still have to wait. May the Holy Spirit continue to work powerfully in you, Colleen!
Ann
I’m not sure what I’ll do but I’ll ask the Holy Spirit to lead me.
Tom Roberts
Today’s commentary makes me think of Matthew 6:25-34; specifically 33-34: “But first seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Perhaps it’s as simple as being spiritually prepared to do what’s in front of me and do it willingly to the best of my ability.
Julie
Thank you dear Rose for your beautiful words of faith. I was touched by your Bold Love of the Spirit & sent your uplifting words to a loved one who has battled severe depression most of her life… She was emboldened by your words & lifted up in spirit… God Bless!
Rose Folsom
Julie,
Your comment totally made my day. So great that you sensed it would help her. Praise God.
Rose
Liz Tomaszeski
What a great message! Today I reflected on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the one I have which is praying in tongues. Praying in the Spirit is a good way to begin intercessory prayer and stokes that inner fire that makes me desire time alone with my Savior.
Rose Folsom
Liz,
Love the phrase “stokes the inner fire.” We invite the Holy Spirit in — and he doesn’t have to be asked twice!
Rose
Kristin
Make sure to start the day in prayer before jumping into work- and be still and listen :)
Rose Folsom
Kristin,
Listen…such great advice — and it’s a tough one for some of us :)
God bless,
Rose