It was after the death of Jesus, on the evening of the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said to them: Peace be with you!

So, this Pentecost, each and every one of us is concerned. Let us open ourselves to the grace of this day: open doors to the Spirit! In practical terms, this means: let’s trust in the Spirit. Are we looking at the world with an optimistic eye? Or are we attentive only to the negative, to the catastrophism of the media? If the world, as St. Paul says, is in labor pains, how can we not live in hope of what is to come?

Let us note the discreet presence of the Spirit. He gently suggests those words that can transform human relationships into communion. We need to detect his presence in our lives to perceive the density and depth of the events that mark them. The Spirit is “funny”: the Spirit blows where it wills. He’s like a child: We think he’s at play or asleep, and there he is, playing in our legs, looking at us and smiling. He can be spotted: He is present wherever there is a desire for unity. In our families, in our associations, in our communities. Satan is the divider, the Spirit is the uniter. “How can you be sure that God has given you his Spirit? Ask your insides. If they are full of charity, you have the Spirit of God”, said Saint Augustine.
 

Let’s breathe in the Spirit! He’s the breath of God. Let’s let him enter us, just as our lungs breathe in essential air. It’s a matter of spiritual life or death! Why so many useless sermons, so much unprofitable reading, where we don’t take the time to listen to Christ and his Spirit? The sign of the Spirit’s presence is profound joy, the kind that gives peace even in the midst of troubles, difficulties, illnesses and trials. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace and patience,” explains St. Paul to the Galatians (Gal 5:16-22).

Marco Cattaneo, Christian director