Pentecost recalls the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. The immediate transformation of that small group of Jesus’ followers testified to its power. We can picture the apostles gathered in a small room, frightened and uncertain about their future following Jesus’ departure. The power of the Holy Spirit drove these followers out into the world, transforming timid hearts into hearts on fire, igniting other fires and blowing embers of faith around the known world.

For Christians the Holy Spirit is always the vivifier, the Giver of Life. The Holy Spirit provides the cohesion necessary for our Christian life. Pope Francis noted that the without the Holy Spirit the Christian life unravels… Jesus becomes just a figure from history, scripture a dead letter. With the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes alive in our time, Scripture becomes the Word of Life.

The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is described in Acts as a noise like a wind, and tongues as of fire alighting atop the heads of the apostles. While such images are captivating symbols, our lived experience of the Holy Spirit is often less dramatic but no less real.

The activity of the Holy Spirit is often recognised by its fruits. Ignatian discernment emphasises looking back and seeking the subtle signs of its presence in our day. Ignatius speaks of the Holy Spirit touching our soul ‘gently, lightly, and sweetly, like a drop of water going into a sponge’ (Spiritual Exercises #335). Its presence is felt in an increase in faith, hope, and love; a sense of clarity where there had been confusion; harmony in place of disharmony; courage to go out to others and to give of ourselves.

In a world of competing voices vying for our attention Ignatian discernment provides the tools to help listen for the Holy Spirit’s presence, to recognise its signs and acknowledge its fruits. With the Holy Spirits help we can learn what unique gifts we bring to a broken world, as with the apostles we can allow it to call us out from our comfort zones, to mission us into the world and to become a fire that kindles other fires.

With thanks to Rob Morris SJ for this contribution to the JISA newsletter. Rob is a Jesuit, an Ignatian Spiritual Director and Giver of the Spiritual Exercises. He is the Director of JISA Sevenhill, the retreat centre in the heart of the Clare Valley in South Australia.

Photo by David Schultz on Unsplash.