Mysteries Of GlorySample

The Descent of the Holy Spirit

At the end of Luke’s Gospel, just before his ascension, Jesus explained to his disciples that 'forgiveness of sins in his name would be proclaimed to all the earth.'

Thus, the disciples know their mission, and through his teaching they have a profound understanding of how Jesus is the fulfilment of all that was prophesied.

They also have a lived experience of the power of God, through witnessing Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. They ‘simply’ now need to communicate this to the whole world.

It is similar for us, we know the message that the whole world needs to hear and we know the source of that message. We simply need to communicate it to the whole world, starting maybe with our family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours, and those around us in most need.

Thankfully God has got it all covered as we see in the story of Pentecost. The Feast of Pentecost was the celebration of receiving the ‘law’ through Moses, and it is fitting that at that celebration the disciples receive the Holy Spirit who enables them to communicate with the whole world.

The ‘law’ of God, the living out of the Word of God, now dwells deeply in the hearts of each of the disciples. It is no longer a law passed down from one generation to the next, but it is also now a law which springs forth from their very hearts.

The mystery revealed here is God's choice to work through and with us. He doesn’t need to work this way, but chooses to empower us to minister on his behalf. We don't have to understand why we are the 'best person for the job,' we just have to get on with it.

Come Holy Spirit, as we celebrate and explore your Holy Word, come fill us anew, that we may communicate it with others. Come fill us anew, that we may know and love your Holy Word.