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, one-hundred and twenty disciples of Christ (Acts 1:15) received the Holy Spirit at 9 AM. Then they gave the Holy Spirit to almost three-thousand 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 St. Peter preached, healing as St. Paul healed, or praying as the Blessed Virgin Mary prays.
Today’s feast day is one of hope for many of us. Mary brought Jesus and the Holy Spirit to Sts. 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: “God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name” (Lk 1:49).
Reference: (For a related teaching on Mary’s Visitation, listen to, download or order our CD 73-3 or DVD 73 on our website.)
Rescript: test
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.