We humans like to know our destiny —— where we are going. We are anxious and worried about many things (cf. Luke 10:38-42) because of the uncertainty of what the future may hold. We want more security as a result! As Christians, we want to know our mission on earth —— where we are called to belong, and who we are called to be. But before we know who we should become, we need to know who we are, our true identity. Identities help us define our roles and missions on earth. Our identity defines everything in our lives!Identity is a relational concept. It relates us to others. Since we are created by God and for God, our identity as God’s children and as Christians are our most important identities. That makes growing our relationship with God first and foremost in our priorities in life. Back to the basic question we asked on Day 1 of this retreat: why is there a need to relate to the Holy Spirit?It is because Jesus reveals to us that it is the Holy Spirit’s role to help us relate to God the Father as “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15) And the Spirit intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. (Romans 8:26). As prayer is the most important means for us to relate to God, the Spirit’s role in helping us relate and communicate with God is indispensable if we desire an intimate relationship with God.That is why Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit is the best gift God can ever give us! "And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. … If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:9, 13)The desire to deepen our relationship with God should translate to a deeper desire for the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit is the gateway to the Father’s Heart. That is why Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you” because God gives us the Spirit to intercede for us, and what the Spirit desires must match the Father’s will. Practically, the Spirit helps us understand the Truth that Jesus taught us (cf. John 14:17) and thus helps us to be holy, conforming us to the image of God. He conveys God’s Word to us and thus helps us make decisions in life and discern our life’s mission. Finally, He also bestows on us supernatural power by granting us different charisms so that we can do greater things as instructed by Jesus (cf. John 14:12).Oftentimes we do not ask God for the right things and we do not ask enough. Asking MORE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is our best prayer to God because we are asking for something He desires to grant us. On this Pentecost Sunday, let us ask boldly and wisely to receive MORE of the Holy Spirit into our lives. This is the day to immerse ourselves in the Love of God, who is the Holy Spirit. Ask God to bless us with a life-transforming encounter with Him, with as many gifts as He wishes to grant us to be a channel of His love to others, and with divine power to become bold witnesses for Christ to the world. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)With expectant faith, be ready that all of your wishes above will be fulfilled! And you will come out of the baptism in the Holy Spirit a new creation, with confidence and power!Baptism in the Holy Spirit often takes place in a community setting. Community members experience deep bonds of fellowship with brothers and sisters with whom they share a common life in the Spirit. There is a new recognition of our interdependence in the body of Christ, and our obligation to put our gifts at the service of others. (cf. Page 29 of “Baptism in the Holy Spirit” by the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services Doctrinal Commission) Community setting allows members to use, confirm, and collaborate with one another on charisms given by God to each member. In doing so, members can encourage and reinforce one another to be good stewards of the talents God has entrusted to us and to become the best versions of ourselves! That is why the first Pentecost did not happen privately but when they were all together in one place (cf. Acts 2:1-4).It is in the Church as well as faith communities that we can best grow our faith, exercise our love and charisms, and discern and fulfill our missions. Jesus entrusted the Church to His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, through St. John. She is the perfect collaborator of the Holy Spirit as she has completely immersed herself in Him. Let us learn from our Heavenly Mother to be the perfect vessel of God by emptying and surrendering ourselves to God the Holy Spirit every moment of our lives.TRANSFORMED and EMPOWERED: The Greatest Lover and Giver grants us, the Beloved, the Ultimate Gift of all, the Holy Spirit, so that we, TRANSFORMED into Princes and Princesses of our ...
