“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” Acts 2: 1-4
***
Sequestered in the upper room,
Eleven staunchly wait and pray.
They know not what they’re waiting for,
But till it comes they mean to stay.
Immersed in prayer, they don’t perceive
The gentle breeze that stirs the air –
A sign of coming change that soon
Will sweep them to they know not where.
The gentle breeze increases strength,
As they look up with stark surprise.
It grows into a driving roar,
Revealing fear deep in their eyes.
Then fire glows above their heads;
Tongues of crackling, blazing flame
Descend on every one of them,
And hover, having reached their aim.
True insight fills their brightened minds;
Surprise and fear remain no more.
The Advocate within them now,
Their timid souls rise up and soar.
They rush out in the crowded streets,
And as their kindled fervor grows,
Proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ,
In foreign tongues they do not know.
They were not men of great renown –
Just humble men from Galilee,
Who couldn’t drink their Savior’s Cup,
Because of human frailty.
But now these men have been transformed –
Infused with their Redeemer’s life,
Prepared to carry out His work,
Heedless of the costly strife.
Their Savior said that He must go,
And more they could not bear to hear.
But with the Spirit as their guide,
The meaning of His words is clear.
He may no longer walk the earth,
But He abides within them now.
Indeed, they will not be alone –
Their Lord and God has kept His vow.
***
“But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you . . . But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.”
– John 16: 7, 13
Thank you, Ellen Virginia, for this inspiring reflection on Pentacost, and the wind and fire of the Holy Spirit that transforms the fearful into men and women of courage and strength. I will always remember my own Confirmation day on Pentacost in 2008 at the glorious Mary, Our Queen Cathedral. I felt so enpowered by this grace of the sacrament that had been given to me as was annointed and sealed in the faith! I also remember this cute little girl who commented on my dress: “You look like a princess…like a valentine!” It’s was so adorable!
Disciplined and beautiful – thank you!