Weekend Reflection for 6/6/14
They were filled with the Holy Spirit
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2:1-3)
How would I be if, like the first Apostles, I were filled with the Holy Spirit? Yes, I know I have received the Holy Spirit at Baptism and Confirmation, but am I still filled with the Holy Spirit?
There are many signs of the Spirit, but one that stands out in the accounts of the first Pentecost was enthusiasm. Enthusiasm, like inspiration, means the state where the Spirit is in me.
How enthusiastic am I? Is my faith something which excites me or is it simply a duty, something I must follow? Am I someone who simply goes through the motions or am I someone whose joy and zeal is obvious to those I meet?
I keep thinking of the early American song which goes:
My life flows on in endless song
Above earth's lamentation.
I hear the real, though far off hymn
That hails the new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It sounds an echo in my soul
How can I keep from singing?
What though the tempest round me roars
I know the truth it liveth
What though the darkness round me close
Songs in the night it giveth
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of Heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?
When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,
And hear their death-knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near,
How can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging.
When friends by shame are undefiled,
How can I keep from singing?
May we be so filled with the Holy Spirit that we cannot keep from singing about the gift we have received in God's love as revealed in Jesus.
That is our faith, that is our song.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.
UPCOMING RETREATS WITH SPACE:
Men: 6/19, 6/23, 7/10, 7/31
Co-ed: 8/29 (2-day, starts Friday evening)
Women: 9/8, 10/6, 11/13, 11/17
Men in Recovery: 8/14
Call 314-416-6400 or visit www.whretreat.org