In today’s reading, Jesus speaks of sending the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. In my mind’s eye, I picture a strong wind, whispers, a dove, and a burning flame that attracts and unifies us into one heart. Light is extremely attractive. As humans, we are naturally attracted to fire, to the light.

When I think of the Holy Spirit, I am always drawn to the flame of the Sacred Heart – the symbol of Jesus’ love for humanity, the Sacred Heart that burns with desire to come into each of our hearts. The fire of love that constantly consumes and gives of itself yet never burns out.

The Spirit guides and unifies us with the Trinity in our love for God and each other. It has been said that the light of one candle does not diminish the light of another; it only adds to the intensity. When you live in the light of the Holy Spirit, you become this attractive light that draws others to Christ. That is our calling. To be the light that shines in the darkness.

In the stillness of adoration, sit and listen to the whispers of “the breath of God.” He will give you everything you need, exactly as you need it, to go forward with the wisdom and counsel of the Advocate. By the grace of God, may we each become the consuming flame that St. Eymard longed for to set the ends of the earth on fire. The Holy Spirit is that blaze of love – the love that flows between the Father and the Son.

Do we thank our benevolent God enough for the gift of the Advocate? After all, it is through this Holy Spirit, at the hands of the priest, that Jesus gives us His Body and Blood in the most Holy Eucharist!

Let us pray:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Thank you for your love and your guidance.