Pentecost

Happy Birthday! Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church when frightened, timid disciples were empowered with the Holy Spirit, transforming them into fearless, powerful proclaimers of Jesus. Today’s readings are full of imagery: wind, fire, breath, and gifts, symbolizing spirit and life. Two strike me, fire and breath.

In Genesis, God breathes on man to give life, and in today’s gospel, Jesus breathes on the disciples giving them a new life, saying: Receive the Holy Spirit. In the Book of Exodus, the spirit of God comes to Moses in the form of a burning bush. In the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit descends, breathing life into the bread and wine, transforming them into the body and blood of Jesus.

Father Eymard used the image of fire extensively, making it central to his teachings on the Eucharist. We must eat this divine fire which feeds and warms us. When we have eaten it, it becomes a bond of love. All spiritual exercises are meant to feed love, like wood feeds a fire. Eymard believed in the transforming power of the Eucharist to feed God’s hungry creation, transforming it little by little. Go be set on fire. The Eucharist is the burning bush. Become a burning bush in the presence of our Lord.

Teresa of Avila described the Eucharist as approaching fire. To approach the fire requires sacrifice and surrender, but we are filled with God’s grace, mercy, and love in surrendering. We become what we eat.

Reflecting on the readings, do I recognize the spirit within myself and others? Does the Eucharist’s fire burn within, leaving me fearless to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ?

Closing Prayer:

The Body of Christ is a fire that invades us, preserves us, transforms us communicates the power of the Spirit to us all. Amen. (From Manna, Bread from Heaven, Sister Catherine Marie Caron SSS)