CIS Walks

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

VERŻJONI MALTIJA

Presence:
I am not alone here. The Risen Christ is near me and in me. Let me become aware of his loving embrace.

I ask for the grace I wish to receive: Lord, I ask you for the grace of being filled with his Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control¹ (or another grace).

I read the text twice: Acts 1:1-5. 12-14. 2:1–6

1¹ In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, ² until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. ³ He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. ⁴ And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, you heard from me; ⁵ for John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. …¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. … 2 ¹ When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. ² And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³ And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. ⁵ Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

Points for Reflection:

• Luke speaks of what Jesus did and taught during his lifetime. Which of his deeds and teachings do I cherish?
• The author speaks of “many proofs” that Jesus gave his disciples after his resurrection. Which proofs of God’s work have I experienced in my life?
• Mary and the disciples gathered in prayer while waiting for the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised them. Let me wait with an open heart, and pray with desire for the same Spirit to come again on me.
• The disciples were together, united as one in their waiting. With whom am I called to be united as one in my own waiting?
• The disciples experience the Spirit as a mighty wind that moves, a fire that warms and gives light, and as a new language understandable by all. Have I experienced anything similar? Do I wish to ask for this grace?

Conversation: I spend some time in conversation with the Lord or with Mary who are still present here. I talk about what moved in me and listen to what they might want to tell me.

1c.f. Gal 5:22-23