In the Pentecost Day reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul notes the different kinds of abilities and forms of service each member of the Christian community has. His point, however, is that all these gifts come from one place, “the same God,” and that they all exist for one purpose: the benefit of the community.

Weather reports are notoriously unreliable. When it comes to the feast of Pentecost, however, we know just what to expect. A strong driving wind and an excellent probability of fire! At least, that’s what happened on the original Pentecost.

Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

What do these have in common: wind, water, fire, tongues, and a dove? They are all biblical metaphors for the Spirit of God—and they all fail to capture the fullness of that divine Person. Yet paradoxically, the Spirit who so eludes our definition is closest to us, is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise “I am with you until the end.”

We call on God for strength to live in the Spirit.

While the “tongues of fire” have inspired numerous works art, some good, some not so good, behind the visual effects is the blueprint for the early church

To Saint Paul. . . . the Holy Spirit is given to all Christians, and to each one in particular; and . . . in turn gives to each and every one gifts and charisms. —Cardinal Leo Joseph Suenens (1904-1996)