We hear about the Holy Spirit in the second verse of the Bible: "The earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind," that is, the Spirit, "swept over the waters" (Gn 1:2). The Lord sent out His Spirit to renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). Then the first human person sinned and began to reverse creation back to chaos. The Spirit needed to be poured out again, not on the earth but on its people. God promised Joel He would pour out His Holy Spirit on all flesh (Jl 3:1).

Hundreds of years later this promise was miraculously fulfilled when the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, and God was conceived as a Man in her womb (Lk 1:35). Shortly after conception, this Baby Jesus poured out the Spirit on another baby in the womb, later named John the Baptist (Lk 1:15, 41). Years later, John pointed out Jesus as the One Who would baptize all humanity in the Spirit (Lk 3:16). Jesus offered the Spirit at His death (Jn 19:30) and resurrection (Jn 20:22). For the most part, people did not accept the Spirit.

Finally, on Pentecost, 120 people received the Spirit. Later that day, 3,000 more received (Acts 2:41). Pentecost continues. Everyone can receive. Repent, believe, ask, receive (Acts 2:38). Come, Holy Spirit!

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2005

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