“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” (1 Co. 2:9-10)

What a beautiful promise from God!

As we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit this coming Sunday on the Feast of Pentecost, let us reflect on the importance of the Holy Spirit in experiencing the fullness of our Christian faith.  The Bible sets out the benefits of the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments.

In Isaiah 11, the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge and fear of the Lord are set forth.  In 1 Corinthians 12, St. Paul mentions wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, mighty deeds, prophesy, discernment of spirits, varieties of tongues and interpretation of tongues.  St. Paul goes on to say that we can have the mind of Christ in living out our lives through these gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

Many years ago, my wife and I were prayed with for the release of the power of the Holy Spirit and these gifts of the Spirit.  Over the years I have experienced many of these gifts in action.  I believe God’s wisdom, understanding and counsel have guided me through several life and career decisions that appear to have borne fruit in my faith life, marriage, and family. 

I have experienced a wife that has loved me for 63 years and I her; seen our four married children raise Christian families; watched a child born with Down syndrome light up a room with her smile and hugs; experienced Christian community through our church and the People of Praise Christian Community; enjoyed meaningful work that provided but did not consume; witnessed physical healing in our family by the laying on hands, and experienced an ongoing relationship with Jesus through daily prayer, scripture, and the sacraments.   

Yes, I am still cable of messing up and still do, but I seek the Lord’s forgiveness which he freely gives.   

As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, let us remember to seek these gifts of the Holy Spirit.