We celebrate today our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives forever in us through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Today’s readings introduce the Holy Spirit and His works in the community of the faithful as we prepare for the Pentecost in a forth-night. The essential point it noted is that love is the key to receiving the Holy Spirit. If we have love in us, it predisposes us to the Spirit of God. Let us see what the readings say about that.
In the gospel, Jesus spelt out love as the condition for sending the Holy Spirit to His disciples. He said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, that Spirit of truth”. The emphasis of Jesus today is obedience to his commandments out of love and not out of fear of hell or gain of heaven. His command is also to love one another. This love for Jesus makes it possible for the Holy Spirit to come into the hearts of the faithful. The first reading discusses how Philip preached the gospel to a Samaritan town, and though they were baptized, they did not receive the Holy Spirit until Peter and John came and prayed for them.
A point of note is that their Christian vocation’s story differs from that of Cornelius and his household in Acts.10:1-48, who received the Holy Spirit before baptism. Interestingly one may wonder why. Acts. 10:4,31 revealed that Cornelius’ charity made a lot of difference to his friendship with God. God was pleased with Him before He became a Christian, which made the Holy Spirit descend upon them immediately after they accepted the word of God in their hearts. Love is the key to experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is for the hearts that love God and their neighbour. When we desire Him and reach out to Him, He fills us with love. Also, the Holy Spirit reaches speedily into those hearts full of love who delight in God’s word. Is your heart full of love? Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Prepare for a Pentecost experience!