We recently celebrated the miracle of Pentecost. When God came into the world as Jesus, he could only be seen and heard by a limited number of people at the same time. When He came into the world as the Holy Spirit, He could be with all people simultaneously at all times. The Holy Spirit was a power force, giving the apostles everything they needed to go out and spread the faith. The spirit removed all barriers - including the language barrier - between them and the people. Every culture and nationality could hear and understand the story they had to tell. None of them were required to enroll in any language courses and study for years to become fluent in them. But more powerful than that was the removal of fear.
Two hands shielding the face - usually with outstretched arms pushing back and the head turned in the opposite direction - that's the "mime" or gestural representation in ballet - for fear. What is fear? It is an earthly entity aimed to help us survive. We have to be able to fight or flee in the case of danger, and stay away from things that could hurt us. Fear can be energizing but it can also be paralyzing, as anyone with agoraphobia can tell you. The apostles were paralyzed with fear before the descent of the Holy Spirit. Since the crucifixion they were hiding in the upper room, shielding themselves from the persecution that Jesus had endured. They were unable to begin the activity that was needed for them to fulfill their purpose. They were helpless. Then came the Holy Spirit. The weight of fear was lifted off their shoulders and their own spirits were lifted up. Love passion and joy were the only forces left. They permeated the message the apostles were then able to pass on.
The power of the Holy Spirit versus the power of fear. We are still caught in the balance today. We have many fears and some of them can hold us back from doing the work of the Lord. Some of them can even hold us back from experiencing the life of freedom and abundance that God would like us to have. We may feel helpless, but the Spirit stands by to give us everything we need to do the work that each of us are called to do. All we need to do is ask.
"Deliver us Lord, from every evil, and protect us from all anxiety,
as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ."
- Prayer of the priest during the Catholic mass, right after the recitation of the Lord's Prayer.
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