Pentecost was one of the three great Jewish Feasts when Israelites would make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem…
It has its origins in a thanksgiving celebration for the yearly harvest and then the remembrance of the promulgation of the Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was celebrated 50 days after the Passover.
However, on the Feast of Pentecost, ten days after the Ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus shows himself in those elements, wind and fire, which in the Old Testament accompanied the presence of God.
Fire – the Holy Spirit comes to purify our inmost being and heart so to guide us into all truth. “He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 16:13-14).
Wind/Breath – The rushing breath or wind of the Holy Spirit expresses the new force with which the divine love and life invades the Church and our Souls. The coming and outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost was not an isolated event but the Holy Spirit continues to sanctify, inspire, direct and govern the Church and our souls.
We need to ask for an active docility that leads us to be receptive to Jesus’ teachings and to assimilate them in a profound way.
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