Acts 2 1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
The first Christians best image of the Spirit was human breath: if a person is breathing, they are alive. If they are not breathing, they are dead. So ‘breath’ was understood as the great source of life. Thus, God is said to breathe the breath of life into the nostrils of Adam, so that he becomes a living being (Genesis 2:8). When Jesus wants to give his disciples the Holy Spirit, he breathes on them (John 20:22). This indicates that now God is within us, like life-giving air, enabling us to live the life of God.
But how about Pentecost in Practice in our age and time. I recently found this helpful description
When you feel an inner urge to be kind, constructive, forgiving or compassionate,
that’s the Spirit at work in your heart.
When you settle down to pray,
that’s the Spirit bringing you into the world of God.
When you take up a demanding task because you feel it is the right thing for you to do,
that’s the Spirit.
When you’re searching with others for the best thing to do in a difficult situation,
that’s the Spirit using you as a spokesperson.
When you find yourself watching out for the needy,
that’s the Spirit.
When you protest against injustice or falsehood,
that’s the Spirit protesting in you.
When you stand for gospel values and try to be inclusive ,
that’s the Spirit.
When you experience deep-seated joy without any special reason,
that’s the Spirit.
After all, we have high connections, we belong in the best of company.
We are VIPs who truly share God’s DNA!
Once you begin to catch on, you find that the Spirit is everywhere. You begin to attend to your inner promptings, asking, ‘Is this a nudge from the Good Spirit?’ Life takes on new colour, and ceases to be boring and predictable. You become free to dance with the Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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