"When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them." Acts 2:1-3
From the day of the Ascension until Pentecost came, the Apostles and followers of Jesus were gathered together in secrecy, praying unceasingly, yet filled with fear. They remained hidden until the Lord sent His promised gift of the Holy Spirit, manifested in flame, wind, and renewed courage. The Apostles went out fearlessly, proclaiming the truth of the Gospel to the world.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus Himself appears to the Apostles, breathing forth the gift of the Holy Spirit and sending them out to bring His merciful gift of forgiveness and peace to the world. This commissioning gives the Apostles the courage to go out, despite the very real threat of persecution, to share the Gospel with all nations.
In our times, we are experiencing something similar to what the Apostles endured before the coming of the Holy Spirit. Our current enemy is an invisible virus, which has caused us to be hidden, isolated, and often fearful. We pray behind locked doors. We may fear sickness and death, the horrible toll of the virus. We may fear persecution by government authorities if we reopen our businesses, churches, and society. We may fear financial ruin. We may fear the condemnation of our families and friends if we disagree about these issues. All these fears are valid and should not be lightly dismissed. But neither should we allow our fears to win out over our faith.
Jesus warns us that suffering and persecutions will come, but with Him, we will overcome evil. He knows our fears but reassures us, over and over again, “Be not afraid.” Jesus does not say this lightly or casually, because He knows only too well the horror of suffering. The Risen Lord still bears the wounds of His own passion and death. He does not ask us to suffer alone, but invites us to unite with Him in any suffering we have to face, and He will give us strength and courage.
Cling to Jesus, no matter what fears you may be facing. Know that He is with you always. He is nearer to you than your own heart. Trust in Him, lean on Him, conquer with Him. And follow Him on the Way of the Cross, asking for the courage of the Holy Spirit to fill you with fire every day of your life.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus Himself appears to the Apostles, breathing forth the gift of the Holy Spirit and sending them out to bring His merciful gift of forgiveness and peace to the world. This commissioning gives the Apostles the courage to go out, despite the very real threat of persecution, to share the Gospel with all nations.
In our times, we are experiencing something similar to what the Apostles endured before the coming of the Holy Spirit. Our current enemy is an invisible virus, which has caused us to be hidden, isolated, and often fearful. We pray behind locked doors. We may fear sickness and death, the horrible toll of the virus. We may fear persecution by government authorities if we reopen our businesses, churches, and society. We may fear financial ruin. We may fear the condemnation of our families and friends if we disagree about these issues. All these fears are valid and should not be lightly dismissed. But neither should we allow our fears to win out over our faith.
Jesus warns us that suffering and persecutions will come, but with Him, we will overcome evil. He knows our fears but reassures us, over and over again, “Be not afraid.” Jesus does not say this lightly or casually, because He knows only too well the horror of suffering. The Risen Lord still bears the wounds of His own passion and death. He does not ask us to suffer alone, but invites us to unite with Him in any suffering we have to face, and He will give us strength and courage.
Cling to Jesus, no matter what fears you may be facing. Know that He is with you always. He is nearer to you than your own heart. Trust in Him, lean on Him, conquer with Him. And follow Him on the Way of the Cross, asking for the courage of the Holy Spirit to fill you with fire every day of your life.
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