by Br. Nicholas Hejka, O.S.B.

      In this Sunday’s First Reading (Acts 2:1-11), the disciples “began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim” and each person in the crowd heard them in his or her own language.  Similarly, in our lives, the Holy Spirit enables us to do what we cannot do on our own.  Each of us has been empowered by the Holy Spirit with unique gifts and unique opportunities.  As Saint Paul says in the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13), “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”  These “spiritual gifts”, “forms of service” and “workings” of the Holy Spirit that Saint Paul speaks about are intended to be used for service and participation in the Church’s mission, the salvation of the world.

     In order to make the most of the gifts and opportunities that the Holy Spirit provides us to advance the salvation of the world in our sphere of influence, it is important to fully let Him into our lives with His transforming power.  The Holy Spirit is always present and active in our lives.  The more that we call this to our mind and invoke Him throughout the day, the more He will enlighten and empower us to give our best to others out of love for Christ.  No matter how ordinary a moment seems, the Holy Spirit is there and has a purpose that He wants us to help accomplish with His gifts, as only we can.  As we grow in our appreciation and use of our own gifts, we also grow in appreciation for the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given to others.  As a result, the Holy Spirit enables us to encourage others to use their gifts well, and builds us up together in Christ.

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