The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." John 14:26
Come Holy Spirit! That's the cry of Christians throughout the world this weekend as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world. Some refer to it as the birthday of the church. In St John's gospel we read in chapter 14 that Jesus said he will send The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to teach and remind everyone of all that was taught. But what did this look like? After all, the Jews never would have imagined their Messiah being born in a stable, the son of a carpenter or riding through town on a donkey. When was this spirit coming and how would it manifest itself to them? We read in Acts that it was a noise like strong, driving wind that swept through the house. We read that it was like tongues of fire above their heads. We read that it was manifested in garbled language spoken by different people, yet all able to understand. This was a visible sign to the people that something supernatural was happening. Immediately following this, Peter stands and delivers a short speech about the power of Christ and that all should repent and be baptized. The account says thousands were baptized that day.
The Holy Spirit is our guide through life, a counselor, an advocate. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily walk, in our decisions and in our times of trouble. The Holy Spirit give us many gifts: wisdom when we need guidance; understanding when searching for truth; counsel to stand for truth when needed; fortitude in times of weakness; knowledge to know the faith; piety when our faith might waver; and fear of the Lord when we put our hope in others instead of Jesus. Pray for the Holy Spirit to always be with you in every aspect of your life. Study these gifts and you will have a journey of faith that is greater than you can ask for or imagine.
How can I recognize those times when I need guidance or knowledge?
Come Holy Spirit, enkindle my heart to serve you always!
