Today is the birth of the Catholic Church. This is when;
"Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak." Act 2:2-4
This is the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the twelve apostles, the Blessed Virgin Mary and other followers of Jesus
The Catholic Church celebrates Pentecost Sunday, seven weeks or 50 days after Easter Sunday. The Greek word for 50 is pentecost.
Jesus has ascended into heaven but He sent the Spirit so that believers could have the comfort, guidance and empowerment of God's presence in their lives.The Spirit that enabled them to proclaim God's world to all the world.
On this day, the believers were given the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, namely;
The gifts of Wisdom, Counsel, Understanding, Fortitude, Knowledge, Fear of God, Piety.
With the mention of these gifts, I can't help singing a memorable song that I learned when I was younger, which we sung in celebration of the Pentecost Sunday, too. Let me share the lyrics of the song. I used to sing this song as part of my prayer, singing it again and again.
COME HOLY SPIRIT; The Fruits
Refrain: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful
Enkindle in them the fire of Your love.
Send forth Your Spirit and renew the face of the earth
I. Spirit of wisdom, teach me to despise
The perishable things of this world
And aspire only after the things, that are eternal
II. Spirit of counsel, show me the sweet way of
Pleasing God and heaven
Spirit of fortitude help me overcome
With courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation
III. Spirit of understanding, enlighten my minds
With the light of Your Divine truth.
Spirit of piety, guide me to find
The service of God sweet and amiable.
INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE
You have fulfilled God's promise that we shall not be alone
Let Your light be our guide, in the road to everlasting life
Chorus: Come Holy Spirit renew the face of the earht
In my heart, with Your light thru Your might.
Change the world
Thru Your gifts. We shall be strong to face the world seemed lost.
Let Your love be our strength, to witness to God's word at any cost
With Your fire, we have the warmth to fill the empty hearts
Overflow, 'till we grow in the faith and hope with love to carry on
Coda: May I be a temple of Your Divine Spirit.
To be an instrument of change.
Renew the face of the earth. (Chorus)
May we continue to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives as we open our hearts to His promptings.
Happy Birthday to one and all!
