Pentecost Sunday
Jesus said to his disciples: "When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.” (Jn. 15:26-27; 16:12-15)
Michael W. Smith, in his powerful worship song, "This is the air I breath," beautifully encapsulates the importance of the Holy Spirit. The opening lyrics, "This is the air I breathe...Your Holy presence livin' in me," echo the creation story where God breathed life into humanity. God gave us Ruah, a Hebrew word for breath, air, or wind. Smith's reflection in this line highlights our desperation. We need God's Ruah to dwell within us, as it is our daily sustenance, the very essence that enables us to testify to God's glory in our lives.
Recall that Jesus promised us that the Comforter would testify about how Jesus had been with us. The Advocate's responsibility is to remind us that when we were down and out, Jesus walked with us. Jesus pulled us out of some funky mess. Do you remember when your rent was late? You became desperate for God's presence. You needed God's mercy desperately holding tight your last $100? Somehow, Jesus fixed it! I know Jesus did it because I have been there and have at least three t-shirts with that testimony.
Unfortunately, we do suffer from spiritual amnesia from time to time. We forget what God did for us, especially when trapped in another deep mess. Perhaps someone has discredited your character, spreading rumors about why you are having trouble at home, like Job's friend, Eliphaz, who said, As I see it, those who plow mischief and sow trouble will reap them" (Jb. 1:8). Here, one must remember that Satan is the accuser, a lion looking to devour us. And one fundamental trick of the adversary, which I am sure you know, is to deceive you into thinking that God has forgotten you. Satan's theology comes with deception. Satan wants to create false illusionary images in your mind to deflect your belief that God loves you. If Satan can detract your prayer life to move you from trusting God, interior spiritual amnesia will disrupt your faith in God. Satan's primary theological purpose is to discredit God's mercy.
We are desperate at this stage in our spiritual life; we are needy people who need the promised Holy Spirit of God in our lives. We hunger deep within for God's mercy. With the presence of the Dove, the Rauh of God, we can testify to God's goodness on this Pentecost Sunday because of God's mercy. We can look back over our lives and think things over, or as John's gospel said, "When he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth" (Jn. 16:13). The truth is God's mercy is everlasting. "Praise the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever" (Ps. 136:1).
Pray this psalm:
If you take away [our] breath, [we] perish and return to [the] dust. When you send forth your spirit, [we] are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps.104:31, 34)
Author: Evang./Prof. Michael Howard, MACS
Facilitator, University of Dayton, VLCFF,
University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute, STEP Online,
Lead Faculty and Course Designer "The Presence of Black Catholics in the Church Today and Tomorrow" Loyola Marymount University,
Founder of Eat the Scroll Ministry
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