A Gift of Tongues or A Gift of Love - Reflection Pentecost Sunday - C

Readings

Many years ago, I asked a friend who went to a charismatic Church if he received the Holy Spirit. When he said “yes”, I asked what it was like.

He said during the service, the preacher could see those about to be touched by the Holy Spirit. Calling them to the front of the congregation, the preacher would lay his hands upon them.

My friend told me then you hear a sound like a strong driving wind and feel like you are on fire. The Holy Spirit seizes you. Some fall to the floor and others dance in ecstasy; but, all called speak in tongues.

Was this a real experience of the Holy Spirit? I don’t know; but, the gift of tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Speaking in tongues is what most thinks of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit.

But St. Paul writes: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

These gifts of the Holy Spirit are the Church.

This celebration of Pentecost is not the celebration of speaking in tongues but the celebration of the creation of the Church. The Church that began when Christ appeared in the midst of the apostles in the upper room to breathe on them and said receive the Holy Spirit.

It is the same Church that is today the presence of Christ and his love in the world.

Love is the one true gift of the Holy Spirit that each and every one of us should realize. It is the love in you that is the Holy Spirit in you.

Love is the presence of God within you, the Holy Spirit. It is uncreated grace.

No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.

"Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.”

The problem is in this world many don’t want God to love them. That is a freedom that God has given everyone.

But, still, no matter if you are a sinner or a saint, God cannot love you more than God already loves you right now. No matter if you are a sinner or a saint, God cannot love you any less than that he loves you right now. Yet, it is for each of us to realize God’s love for us, through Jesus Christ, and to receive the Holy Spirit; the presence of God within us. 

Jesus told the apostles, “The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything.”

The Holy Spirit is not conjured up to bring magical gifts like party games.  The Holy Spirit is God within us every day. It is the God’s love that we bring to the world. 

That is the gift given to the Church.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Be good, be holy and preach the Gospel by the way you live and love, filled by the Holy Spirit. Amen.