Pentecost - Speaking in the Spirit

Friends,

The miracle of the Apostle Speaking in the Spirit is a beautiful image.  To proclaim the Gospel and have it understood by all, without barrier, now that is a miracle.  How did it happen?  I do not know.  But I had a dream once about Pentecost.  The Apostles were so filled with joy they began laughing.  Joyful laughter is the universal language.  Perhaps, everyone else joined the Apostles’ laughter and they too were filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Yes, my reflection on Acts of the Apostles is a bit whimsical.  Yet, the hallmarks of speaking in the Spirit are joy, honesty, and words of faith that draw people to a future in Christ.  This way of speaking is an outward sign of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Right Counsel, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.  From these gifts of the Spirit the Gospel is now preached in every language throughout the world. 

Speaking in the Spirit is a special language.  St. Paul encouraged the Ephesians saying, ‘(Speak no foul language), but only the good needed to build up others, that it may impart grace to those who hear. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ (Eph 4:29,31-32).

May you speak to all peoples in the Spirit.  May we seek to understand all peoples who speak in the Spirit.

Be well and God Bless,

Deacon Ed Souza

If this was helpful and you would like to read more, my homily on Pentecost is posted on Catholic 365