A Few Words On "The Word"

May 11, 2008
Penetecost Sunday, Year A
Acts 2:1-11

Spread the Wildfire!

For the past few years we’ve seen some pretty nasty wildfires raging in California.  Last year, the fires destroyed a portion of a beautiful park and even managed to engulf parts of an island.  People were forced to flee their homes and neighborhoods, uncertain that they would even have a home to return to.  Forest fires can be truly terrible events.  They destroy the natural habitats of wild animals and disrupt the ecosystem making it harder for all creatures to live in a healthy way.  

However, natural fires are sometimes necessary and need to take place.  Park rangers and foresters sometimes start controlled fires intentionally.  Though it may sound strange, some seeds need fire to break them down before they will begin to grow.  A controlled burn can stimulate and renew some forests, actually helping the ecosystem and in some circumstances, preventing uncontrolled wildfires like the ones in California.

Before we take a look at today’s reading, I want you to try to recall a couple readings.  The first was one we heard all the way back in Advent.  While waiting and hoping for Jesus’ approaching birth, we were getting a closer look at John the Baptist.  John emphasized the coming of the Messiah, one who would usher in God’s reign.  Most importantly, John points out that the Messiah will bring the Holy Spirit.

The second reading to recall is one we heard a few weeks ago.  After Jesus rose from the dead he appeared to his disciples several times.  On one occasion he appears in their midst and breathes on them, symbolically giving them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Both of these readings are actually precursors to today’s exciting event.  It’s been fifty days since Jesus died and rose from the dead on Easter morning!  His disciples have seen him and have begun to understand who he truly is even more.  Furthermore, they’ve just seen Jesus ascend into heaven.

Unfortunately, some things still haven’t hit home for the disciples.  In particular, they still don’t quite fully comprehend the power of the Holy Spirit.  To remedy this, the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles in a dramatic fashion, in a way the apostles can really understand.  Suddenly they are emboldened and capable of extraordinary actions.  They can now speak different languages, heal people, and face trying circumstances with courage.

Too often we are just like the apostles, waiting around for the Holy Spirit to overwhelm us and blatantly make us aware of what we already know.  Through our baptism and confirmation Jesus has breathed on us, giving us the Holy Spirit.  If this is true, why aren’t we boldly pursuing God’s kingdom as the first apostles did?  The grace of the Holy Spirit transforms and strengthens us, making it possible to live lives of passion centered on a love for God and those around us.  It’s time for us to wake up and spread the most healing wildfire of all – the Holy Spirit.  It’s time to tap into God’s gift that comes through Jesus.  It’s time to start living the lives we are capable of, transforming the world around us, just as Jesus did!

Reflection Question

In what ways can you bring the hopeful wildfire of the Holy Spirit more fully to those around you starting today?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!