The were all filled with the Holy Spirit

Happy Pentecost Day

Over the past week we have been conducting a 'retreat in daily life' for a local parish here in Wellington with the theme of 'Listening to the Spirit,' leading up to the feast of Pentecost. We used guided meditations every day and then asked them to share on what struck them, what was significant for them or what grace they received as they imagined themselves in the scene.

Below, I want to share with you part of one of those meditations if you would like to participate.

Relax your body, become aware of your breathing, close you eyes if that helps and enter into the story of Pentecost as it is told in Acts 2: 1-11. See if you can imagine yourself there. Be gentle with yourself. We can never force these kind of things. You may like to ask for the grace and presence of the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Imagine the tongues of fire separating and resting on the heads of those around you? Watch and gaze at this phenomenon. How does this affect you? See those nearest to you acknowledge by the expression on their faces that you too have a tongue of fire above your head. Do you really believe it to be possible?  How do you react and how do you feel? Stay with this reality and allow the presence of the Spirit to fill you and confirm your faith, hope and love. How are you inspired to respond to the presence of the Spirit filling every fibre of your being? Maybe it is a gentle presence or a more pronounced presence. Whatever it is, stay with it and simply be present to however the Spirit comes to you. You may be surprised.

You may too be reminded of other times you have experienced the inspiration and presence of the Spirit in your life. Ponder that memory in your heart and allow that memory to renew you.

Notice the newfound confidence and zeal in the room, in what is being said and shared with all those present. Is that same sense happening for you? Perhaps you can ask for an increase in confidence when it comes to living out your faith and witness and a deeper sense of understanding. Or perhaps it is another gift of the Spirit you find yourself asking for.

Rest for a little while in the presence of the Holy Spirit and thank the Spirit for this precious time in prayer and finish with the prayer to the Spirit.

‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within us

The fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and we shall be created

And you shall renew the face of the earth.’ 

You may like to listen to 'Tongues of Fire' from 'Like a beautiful day,' as another way of entering into this celebration of Pentecost.

Blessings on your week.