Pentecost, is observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter and 10 days after Ascension. The name comes from the Greek word “pentekoste” which means fiftieth as Pentecost Sunday takes place on the 50th day of Easter.

It marks the end of the Easter cycle, that began 90 days ago with Ash Wednesday at the start of Lent.

This Christian feastday day commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames to the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament in Acts 2:1–3 , the fifth book of the New Testament of the Bible.

“Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2: 1-3

Fire is a universal sacred symbol. Fire burns and purifies but it also gives light and illuminates. The Hebrew work shekinah stands for the fiery Presence of God – the Spirit.  It is this glory which is understood to set whatever it
touches ablaze.

Reflection                                         

Step 1.

Make yourself comfortable. Become aware of your breath, gently breathing in and out. This brings you into the present moment.

Step 2.

Play the Taize Chant:  Veni Sancte Spiritus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1fR4SV55qg.

Imagine the fire of the Spirit inside your very being. As you breathe in and out,

that living spirit of God flows through you.

You are the fire that burns inside us,

the living water from within,

You are the voice that gently whispers,

You are the rushing mighty wind.

Step 3.

We invite the Spirit into our lives as we listen to the Litany of the Holy Spirit composed by Dan Schutte.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhFlfm8cy9w&feature=youtu.be

Concluding Prayer

May the fire of the Spirit burn brightly within you.

May the fire of the Spirit open your minds and hearts to a new vision.

May the fire of the Spirit inspire within you actions for justice and peace.

May the fire of the Spirit fill you with courage to embrace new possibilities.

May the fire of the Spirit enlighten the eyes of your mind so you can see what hope God’s call holds for you and how infitely great is the power working within you.

If you wish you might like to listen to the Native American chant O Great Spirit  (see link below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbnJyKj0ihM