The Coming of the Spirit

The coming of the Holy Spirit

When the Spirit came down upon the disciples they were filled with a new power - the power to speak in tongues, the power to heal, the power of miracles even, was given to them. The fruits and gifts of the Spirit were made manifest among the people; Wisdom, Knowledge, Prophecy, Teaching, but the greatest of all was Love.

What relevance does this out pouring of Spirit have for us today, especially for those who are house or  bed bound or living in difficult circumstances under the Lockdown imposed due to Covid 19 virus. We may not be well enough to go out in person to spread the good news nor be allowed out, under the rules to keep us safe, but as Paul says, the greatest gift of the Spirit is the Power of Love. And we all can and do love in abundance. Love knows no physical boundaries and is present in our contact with God and each other through prayer. Love supports, lifts, restores and heals. Prayer has no boundary.

Love comes to us through our family, friendships, our compassion for others and unites all in our prayers. Friendship then, especially spiritual friendship, is a grace from God and how important it is for us to know that at this time of struggle and when we are too ill or distressed or in need, it helps so much to know there is someone there, holding us in their heart and praying for us, even though we may never have met physically in the world or been able to see them for a very long time. What greater gift can we give or receive then than this gift of  unconditional love and prayer?

We can all be connected then, by the Power of the Spirit, in this bond of love and through this connection, healing, hope, light, miracles even can be felt, experienced and known. And through the wonder of  love we can ask the Holy Spirit to bless us and our friends and families and the whole world.

So let us ask the Holy Spirit to visit us this Pentecost and lift us into the heart of Love, where we can freely find all the fruits and gifts of the Spirit that God gives us. So let us use them in Love, to serve God, however He asks us to and trust that God will hear our prayers and answer them powerfully and wonderfully. For the gift of Love the Holy Spirit brings is truly ‘wonder - ful’. 

May we be filled with the Joy that the Spirit brings and feel the Power from on High flowing in to us and blessing our lives and our prayers now and always. Amen!