Receive the Holy Spirit

“Receive the Holy Spirit”. Four simple words that have an amazing impact on the life of not only twelve men, but millions of people around the world and throughout history. To be among the crowds of people who witnessed the disciples begin to speak in the many different languages would have certainly been amazing, let alone to be told that you have the power to forgive or retain sins and then to be sent out by Jesus himself. Yes, Pentecost was undoubtedly a big event, but what does that have to do with all of us today?

I have found myself drawn to that question: wondering how a story that took place over 2,000 years ago really impacts my day-to-day life. I have never seen tongues of fire above my head nor have I suddenly been able to speak another language (sometimes, usually before coffee, I am not so sure that I can even speak English), so does that mean I did not receive the Holy Spirit? I think the answer actually lies in the second reading.

Each of us has, in fact, been charged by Jesus and given gifts from the Holy Spirit, but they might be different from those we hear about in the readings. Each has, “different forms but the same Lord…different workings but the same God”. It seems that during Pentecost, we are reminded that rather than focusing on the gifts someone else has been given, it seems we should seek out the gifts that we have been given. We are after all, “baptized into one body…and we are all given to drink of one Spirit”.

–Jon Taylor

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.