I am always fascinated by the question, “What exactly happened to the disciples so that they all became a new group of men, transformed into new, energetic people ready for a new mission?” The answer is the Gifts of the
Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
Before Pentecost: The disciples were fearful and doubtful, hiding behind locked doors (John 20:19). They lacked understanding about Jesus’ teachings and mission (Mark 9:32, Luke 18:34). They were ambitious and
rivalrous (Mark 9:33-37).
High tide of the Holy Spirit: A ship strayed off course near San Diego some years back. It became stuck in a reef at low tide. Twelve tugboats were unsuccessful in their attempts to budge it. Finally, the captain instructed the tugs to go back home. He sighed, “I’ll just be patient and wait.” He waited until high tide. All of a sudden, the ocean began to rise. What human power could not do, the rising tide of the Pacific Ocean did. It lifted that ship and put it back into the channel. Something like that happened to the early Church on the day of Pentecost. They were all together in one place waiting, wondering, and praying, when suddenly the tide of the Holy Spirit rolled in and they were transformed.
On the day of Pentecost: When the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary as tongues of fire, the frightened apostles were transformed into fiery preachers and evangelizers and were given the gift of tongues by a special anointing of the Holy Spirit. The listeners experienced a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit through the apostles’ gift of tongues. They heard Peter speaking in their native languages. The early Christians became powerful witnesses and brave martyrs for their faith in Jesus.
After Pentecost, The Disciples were bold and confident (Acts 2:14-40, 4:8-12).They demonstrated unity and love (Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37). They exhibited extraordinary power and authority in their Ministry. (Acts 3:1-10, 5:12-16).
The disciples’ transformation after Pentecost is a powerful example of the Holy Spirit’s impact on human lives. The Holy Spirit makes us holy as His Living Temple of God (I Cor 3:16). He strengthens us through the Sacraments in our mission of bearing witness to Christ. The Holy Spirit transforms ordinary bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, which is our spiritual nourishment. The Holy Spirit pours out on us His gifts, fruits, and charisms, thus enriching the Church.
Let the same Holy Spirit take control of our lives and transform us, our families, and society as He transformed the disciples.
Prayer
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Fr. Joseph Christy, MSC