FIRE TO EMPOWER - PENTECOST NOVENA SERMON 2021 (Day 6)

 

Notes taken from sermon by Rev Fr Aiden Peter, OFM

Day 6 of Pentecost Novena 2021 (SACCRE)

- FIRE TO EMPOWER

Acts 2:1-4   

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.  And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and wondered, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language  Par′thians and Medes and E′lamites and residents of Mesopota′mia, Judea and Cappado′cia, Pontus and Asia, Phryg′ia and Pamphyl′ia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyre′ne, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.

 

 What is the significance of celebrating Pentecost?


(1)    Pentecost reminds us of the power of the Holy Spirit.

A major part of the mission of the Holy Spirit is to empower the disciples to fulfill Christ's commands. What about us?

• How has the Holy Spirit empowered us?
• How has the divine Paraclete responded to yearning with the gift of holy fire?
• do we witness that Jesus is Lord especially in our world today which desperately need the Holy Spirit?
• How often do we pray that our faith in Jesus will remain strong and steadfast so that living water will flow from within us, refreshing and renewing everyone we meet?
• Are we chariots of fire alive and burning with the flame of Pentecost
• Are we bold in proclaiming of the good news?
• Are we bold in working in peace and forgiveness with communities?

(2)     Pentecost gives us hope and encourages us in our labour.

The book of Acts open with a bang, the world changes when the Holy Spirit appears. Throughout he book of acts, we see the Holy Spirit acting. 

 

We too obtain strength and encouragement to continue our work and go on by the power of the Holy spirit. 

 

Pentecost gives us the opportunity look afresh at our God the Holy spirit and experience the encouragement that He gives.

(3)    Pentecost overwhelms us with a sense of awe & reverence of the Lord

Without the ability to be wowed and amazed, our lives become bland and mediocre. When we look at our God in all His fullness we can't help be be overwhelmed. 

 

Seizing the opportunity at Pentecost to meditate upon the Holy Spirit will create in us a yearning for His power and a sense of humility in the face of His grandeur, His holiness, infinity, majesty and glory. 

 

 

• Do we desire our lives to be touched by God?
• Do we want to be set ablaze by Him?
• Do we want our insecurities and fears to be replaced by freedom?
• Do we want to be the best version of ourselves possible, one who is free to love and to be loved?

Surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  Give ourselves over to God.  Take time to pray, thanking the Holy Spirit for who He is and what he can do in our lives.  Take time to meditate upon this person and experience and enjoy the hope and encouragement that He is waiting to unlock in us.