Today we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Pentecost.  Jesus pledged that on his return to the Father, he would send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who would remind the Apostles of everything Jesus had taught them. 

The Spirit should be no stranger to us.  We met the Holy Spirit for the first time at our baptism when all of our sins were forgiven and the Spirit made his dwelling-place in our souls.  This is the Spirit of love by which we call God, ‘Abba! That is Father!   The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states:

God’s very being is love.  By sending his only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret:  God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange.  CCC 221

            At the time of our baptism the Holy Spirit caught us up into that divine and eternal relationship of love.  In Confirmation we received an increase and deepening of baptismal grace, including the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.  We also received the grace to defend and share the faith as witnesses of Christ. 

Today the same Holy Spirit hovers over us.  He comes with gifts, not for our own use, but for the good of the Church.  Open your heart to the Spirit's gifts!  Ask him to teach you how to serve the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ in every generation.