The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Centuries ago in Jerusalem, during the jubilant celebrations of Pentecost, an extraordinary event happened that marked the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit. This story is about that remarkable day - the day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles.
The apostles, followers of Jesus Christ, were gathered together in one place waiting for the fulfillment of Jesus's last promise: 'And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high'. There was a palpable sense of expectation among the apostles.
Suddenly, a sound resembling a great gust of wind whooshed through the house. It was an instantaneous phenomenon, overpowering, and yet not destructive. It consumed the attention of everyone present. They looked around in astonishment, struggling to comprehend the situation.
Immediately after the deafening sound, visible flames or 'tongues of fire' flickered above each of the apostles' heads. This was the divine manifestation of the Holy Spirit. They were wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and awe in God's presence, each enabling the apostles in unique ways.
The most miraculous event, however, was yet to happen. As the Holy Spirit filled them, the apostles began to speak in an array of tongues, languages they had not learned previously. They were echoing divine mysteries, praises, and teachings in various diverse languages present at that time.
Soon word about these bewildering events spread throughout Jerusalem. A crowd gathered, each individual able to understand the apostles in their own native language. They were astonished and marveled at the apostles' ability to speak in their dialect without having prior knowledge.
Among the crowd, Peter stood and began to deliver an eloquent sermon. He preached about Christ's life, death, and resurrection with an eloquence and boldness he never had before. The words filled with divine wisdom and understanding pierced the hearts of the listeners. Many were baptized that day, turning a new leaf, reshaping their lives according to the Gospel of Christ.
Hence, the supernaturally endowed apostles began their journey preaching the Gospel, baptising, and spreading the teachings of Christ to every nook and corner of the world. The Descent of the Holy Spirit catalyzed the birth of the early Christian Church.
To this day, the event of Pentecost marks the fulfillment of Christ’s promise and the coming of the Holy Spirit, a guide, a counselor and the indwelling presence of God within us. It reminds us about the potential of every individual to transform the world with heartfelt spiritual convictions.