During Pentecost the Jews celebrated the giving of the Law at Sinai. We Christians celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Father and the Son to us. While the Jews received the Law which condemned sin but did not empower them to do what was commanded, we however received not only the command from the Lord, we were also empowered to fulfill it in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is indeed the power from on high that makes it possible for us to live as children of God, not slaves.
Read the article entitled "Consoler and Advocate" and use the following for your guide.
1. The Lord does not leave his disciples orphans. Knowing beforehand that they will be exposed to the hatred of the world, he promises to send them the Holy Spirit who will stand as their Consoler and Advocate. The word "ho parakletos" literally means "one who is called with somebody else." Jesus is called by this name in 1 John. The Holy Spirit is called "the Other Paraclete" and therefore extends what the Lord had been for the disciples.
Reflect. The Holy Spirit has been poured into our hearts, writes Paul, when we were baptized. He is the one who gives us the power to call the Father with familiarity as "Abba." We are also to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. How have you been a friend to the Holy Spirit?
2. The Holy Spirit as "Paraclete" functions like a Prosecuting Attorney for the disciples; it is He who will vindicate their cause. The world rejects them, persecutes them and goes even to the point of having them killed.
Reflect. The Church though under persecution throughout the ages has never shown fear before its persecutors precisely because of the consoling presence of the Holy Spirit. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life?
3. The Holy Spirit is the gift that proceeds both from the Father and the Son; He is their gift to us. The Creed that we profess every Sunday dedicates one line to Him: "I believe in the Holy Spirit."
Reflect. Catholic prayers to the Holy Spirit have the feature of an invitation addressed to the Holy Spirit that He come and fill up the one who prays. "Come Holy Spirit", we say "fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love." During the Mass, the priest asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit that those who partake of the Bread of Life may become the Body of Christ. What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit? When you pray to the Holy Spirit, what do you ask?
