the simplicity of pentecost
"Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth." —Luke 1:39-40
All Christians are not only to receive Pentecost but also to give Pentecost to others. At the first Christian Pentecost, 120 disciples of Christ (Acts 1:15) received the Holy Spirit at 9 AM. Then they gave the Holy Spirit to almost 3,000 people before the day ended (Acts 2:41). We too must let the Holy Spirit come to us and through us.
Many Christians doubt that they will be able to give Pentecost to others. They are locked in the upper room because of fear, feelings of inadequacy, and self-hatred. They find it difficult to see themselves preaching as Peter preached, healing as Paul healed, or praying as Mary prays.
Today's feast day is one of hope for many of us. Mary brought Jesus and the Holy Spirit to Elizabeth and John not by extraordinary works but by obeying the Lord in little things. Mary visited and greeted Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-40). She loved and served Elizabeth. All of us can do what Mary did. We give Pentecost to others not only by extraordinary acts but especially by obeying the Lord in detail. The Holy Spirit is "given to those that obey Him" (Acts 5:32) and through those obeying Him. Obey; visit; love; serve. Give Pentecost.
Prayer: Father, may I obey You strictly, that is, immediately and completely.
Promise: "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you." —Zep 3:17
Praise: Mary's joyful prayer upon seeing Elizabeth and the works of the Holy Spirit is still being proclaimed daily two thousand years after it was inspired.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000