A Few Words On "The Word"

June 4, 2006
Pentecost: The Coming of the Holy Spirit

John 15: 26-27; 16:12-15

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

At pep rallies, or other assemblies, how is it that almost the entire student body gets all worked up? We often describe this as "school spirit" and we say that people "catch" it. But how?

Well, first there's group identity: We're all students of this school. Then there's common purpose: We want to win this game, reach that goal, accomplish this huge almost impossible task. Usually, there are people assigned to whip up enthusiasm: cheerleaders, for example. Maybe even the principal is acting like some kind of geek to get people excited. And then it happens. Everybody's psyched, pumped.

Same with those of us who are Christ's crew. We have group identity: we're Christ's homies, baptized into Christ's dying and rising. And we have common purpose: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, free the oppressed, all the time giving God thanks and praise. Different people among us take turns whipping up enthusiasm: ministers at Mass, those who lead us in service projects and good works, those who suffer. And then it happens: We do good in Christ's name and when we're done, we look back and ask, "How'd we do that? We're not all that..."

That's when we know we have something more potent than school spirit. We have Christ-spirit, the Holy Spirit. So this week when you see someone hurting, pray "Come, Holy Spirit!" When you see someone happy, pray "Come, Holy Spirit!" When you suspect that God is trying to tell you something, pray "Come, Holy Spirit!" And most of all, when someone needs you, pray "Come, Holy Spirit!" Trust that Christ will work through you and go for it.

Reflection Question

How have you experienced the Holy Spirit stirring up enthusiasm in you lately?

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