by Rev. Herbert Nichols

In the gospel Thursday, as Jesus prepared to return to the Father, he instructed his disciples to wait in prayer, for the arrival and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Tradition tells us that they were blessed with seven biblical gifts first spoken of by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, and more recently by Our Holy Father Pope John Paul in organizing this Novena some dozen or more years ago.

The first is the gift of wisdom, which the Pope describes as the aversion to perishable thoughts of the world and the desire only after the things that are eternal. That sounds very much like Francis of Assisi; yet Francis had the wisdom to know that even many graced filled people could live the intensity of that commitment unless truly gifted by God.

Nevertheless, not being able to live in full intensity does not excuse or preclude us from living in so far as we are able to concentrate our focus of heart and desire on the lord, the creator and not particularly in any one of his creations.

This is not because we are evil. A creation of God cannot be evil; though the misuse of God's gift may become morally evil, but what God has made is alive in Him.

(Take a piece of paper and write the letters: E V I –L. Go to a mirror and hold it in front of you and God will transform it into L -I-V E.)

Along with Wisdom comes the gift of understanding, which John Paul calls the enlightenment of our intellect by grace, and counsel, the power to discern, to know, to choose that which is good over bad, or better over good. This gift is linked with the virtue of humility in that it requires listening to the advice of others and not choosing arbitrarily and independently.

The disciples, gathered in the Upper Room with Mary and the other women, experienced the embryonic gestation of the Church. Just as Mary gave form to the son of God in her womb; so like a Mother she offered that same process for those given to her maternal care.

As Jesus had been conceived in her womb by the power of the Holy Spirit, this same Spirit would overshadow them and conceive in their hearts the boldness and the courage they would require to fulfill their ministries.

It is very possible that here in the Cenacle, Mary did what Jesus had done on the road to Emmaus by explaining to them all that they had been taught, enkindling in their hearts a fire.

Perhaps it was also here that Mary explained to them the significance of the Miracle at Cana, the power of prayer and faith. Ask and you shall receive, even if it seems insignificant or inconvenient. If it is a genuine need, you-need only ask once.

Perhaps she also used the occasion as a parable for teaching. Soon they would be changed, from water which is useful but tasteless, into wine which is sparkling and delightful; changed not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of others. Perhaps here again Mary echoed her last recorded spoken word: "Do whatever he tells you."

Though we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost liturgically next week, we pray each week each day for the coming of the Holy Spirit into our personal lives and into the Church in a new way, in a new and constantly purifying dynamic. With ever fresh tongues of flames which may not be visible but enkindle our spirits.

Next Sunday's feast of Pentecost, the 50th day, brings to completion the Lenten/Easter Cycle that began with cold ashes and embers. It is important to remember that salvation has come to us, not in the ashes but in the Blood, the Light, the Fire.