The Soul's Stance before the Gift of God

Mass Readings for the Vigil of Pentecost - Vigil liturgies, in my experience, heighten the anticipation for whatever feast is being celebrated. The painting included highlights that as the flames have not yet quite reached the awaiting Apostles.

Look closer at the various reactions and physical positions of receptivity - which can I identify with? Which would I like to portray my soul’s stance before this great gift of God? What might I need to do, or surrender, to facilitate that shift?

I love that this painting is by an unknown artist. It’s easy as a creative person to want to draw attention to one’s own talent and ability…but the anonymity is a good reminder who the true Source is of all Beauty and creative genius!

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Holy Spirit, Truth divine,
dawn upon this soul of mine.
Voice of God, and inward Light,
wake my spirit, clear my sight.
Holy Spirit, Love divine,
glow within this heart of mine.
Kindle ev’ry high desire,
purify me with your fire.
Holy Spirit, Pow’r divine,
fill and nerve this will of mine.
Boldly may I always live,
bravely serve and gladly give.
Holy Spirit, Law divine,
reign within this soul of mine.
Be my law and I shall be
firmly bound, forever free.
Holy Spirit, Peace divine,
still this restless heart of mine.
Speak to calm this tossing sea,
grant me your tranquility.
Holy Spirit, Joy divine,
gladden now this heart of mine.
In the desert ways I sing,
spring, O living Water, spring!
-Samuel Longfellow (1819-1892), in the Public Domain

Learn more about Samuel Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s youngest brother, and browse his many other hymns.

Overview and analysis by Anthony Esolen

This prayer-poem of St. Augustine is such a testament to the timelessness of religious truth and spirituality! As I searched for a painting of Pentecost to include, I pondered: did Mary receive the Holy Spirit in a new way that day? After the Spirit had descended upon her at the Annunciation resulting in the Incarnation of Jesus as the God-Man, was there a new release of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit in her?

I can only imagine there was. As with each of us—until we reach ultimate union with God which is only possible in the next world—there is always room for more of God’s life, love and spirit in us.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
That I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
To defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
That I always may be holy.
-St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430), in the Public Domain.

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