Trying to find a definitive definition of who the Holy Spirit is or how the Holy Spirit works is probably a mission impossible. Jesus himself says it quite clearly in John’s Gospel: “The Spirit blows where it will” (John 3:8). The Spirit is indeed beyond our control and can be mysterious. But that does not mean God hides His Spirit completely or never gives us any clues. Just because people cannot see the wind does not mean they cannot feel its force and presence. Likewise, one might not see the Spirit, but one can certainly see its fruits.
Paul, in his Epistle to the Galatians, tells us that if we live by the Spirit, by the life of God, then we must bear fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23).
Ignatius of Laodicea, a Greek Orthodox Patriarch who lived in the fifth century, described the presence and absence of the Holy Spirit in this way:
“Without the Holy Spirit, God is distant, Christ is merely a historical figure, the Gospel is a dead letter, the Church is just an organization, authority is domination, mission is propaganda, liturgy is only nostalgia, and the work of Christians is slave labor.
But with the Holy Spirit, Christ is risen and present, the Gospel is a living force, the Church is a communion in the life of the Trinity, authority is a service that sets people free, mission is Pentecost, the liturgy is memory and anticipation, and the labor of Christians is divinized.”
A couple of days ago, I was invited to offer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to an elderly resident at a nearby nursing home. When I walked in, she was in her wheelchair, about to have supper in the dining room, which was full of people. Despite being surrounded by many – including her son and daughter-in-law – her face, as far as I could observe, reflected a deep sense of sadness.
During the encounter, I offered the Sacrament and some conversation. I gently encouraged her not to be afraid to smile a little, and she did. As the conversation continued, and with the following words of prayer, “May you continue to be a special gift to your family, to those around you, and to your community”, she gave a beautiful, bright smile before I left.
After saying goodbye and leaving her in peace to have her dinner, her son walked me out. I learned from him that the family had just gone through a very difficult time, having recently farewelled her husband, their father, and were facing some ongoing challenges. I mentioned her smile to him, and he responded, “That made my week”.
I do not share this story to boast about making someone smile, but rather to witness how the blessing of the Sacrament, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, can bring healing and comfort through the presence of God, and how our presence with each other can carry us through hard times.
As we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the Feast of Our Lady of Pentecost, the patronal feast of our parish, we remember the abiding presence of God’s Spirit among us. This same spirit is the Advocate who journeys alongside us to encourage and support us. Let us also not forget the gentle presence of Our Lady, the Mother of God, who stood among the apostles with a spirit of care and nurturing support.
May we, as a community of faith, be rekindled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, and may we have the courage to bear witness to the warmth and hospitality of God’s love, both to one another and to the world.
“Come, Holy Spirit, renew our hearts and our minds.
Strengthen us and enkindle us with the fire of your love.
Enlighten our minds and unite us as one.”
By: Fr Sang Ho
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Lucia Leung says:
Thanks, Fr Sang. I would say you had made a wonderful visit to this lady and her family, and most blessingly, you anointed her with Jesus’ grace as well. Your encouragement to the lady to smile and feel being importance brings hope and joy to all them. Thanks be to God, Amen.