The Holy Spirit was manifested in the original believers in no uncertain way. The follow-on to Luke's gospel leaves no room for quibbles. The foreigners did understand the preaching that they heard in their own languages and were amazed because they knew that those speaking were from Galilee. The Holy Spirit was seen as a fire which touched all present in that room including the women. I have never seen this even at my most receptive to the power of God, in the Holy Sepulchre at an Easter Vigil or in the peace of my own garden. I have been saved from sinfulness by the power of the Holy Spirit and although I try to accept this in true humility there is still a small voice in the back of my conscience that boasts that I did it myself forgetting the Creator Father the saving suffering of the Son and the continuity of the Holy Spirit. Forgive me most Holy Trinity.
Dear Lord may I not forget what I am typing here and truthfully open my deepest place to the directions of your Holy Spirit. Let me follow your first commandment completely and thus be protected from all temptation to break any of the rest.
The Gospels for today both confirm the Apostolic foundations of our Church. Christ breathed on them and The Holy Spirit filled their hearts. Sins are to be forgiven by these men. This is what is promised by the Christ who is Head and Body of the Church. We are part of this Body as are the Clergy. We, who do not have the authority which comes directly from God to forgive sins, need the clergy. We need the clergy and today I hope that all priests, bishops and pope take to heart what they read:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
Dear Lord came again to heal your body the church as you have done many times since you walked the earth. Our souls need thy Graces channelled through the actions of your priests. Lord send us sincere and holy priests.
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