Only through the Power of the Holy Spirit

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

The Church was founded, and a new way of life in God's mercy began, with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Pentecost serves as a reminder that Christianity is a way of living inspired by God's Spirit, rather than simply a set of beliefs.

The apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, begin speaking in different languages in the first reading from Acts 2:1–11. They proclaim God's amazing works to the crowd. This miracle demonstrates that human courage or eloquence is not the source of the ability to proclaim Jesus. The Spirit is the only source of that. The apostles hid from fear before Pentecost. They openly preach to the nations following Pentecost. Fearful hearts are only able to become fearless testimonies through the work of the Holy Spirit. Every proclamation of Christ, therefore, must rely on the Spirit's inspiration.

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Without the Spirit, our lips may speak the words, but our hearts remain distant from their true meaning.

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Saint Paul reinforces this truth in the second reading (1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13). He writes, "No one can say, 'Jesus is Lord's except by the Holy Spirit." These words cut through all human pretension. Confessing Jesus as Lord is not a mere formula or an intellectual agreement. It is a supernatural act enabled by the Spirit dwelling within us. The same Spirit gives a variety of gifts for the common good and unites us into one body. Without the Spirit, our lips may speak the words, but our hearts remain distant from their true meaning.

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No one can say, 'Jesus is Lord's except by the Holy Spirit."

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The Gospel from John 20:19-23 deepens this mystery further. The risen Jesus breathes on his disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven." Here, the power to forgive sins is directly linked to the gift of the Spirit. Forgiveness is not a human achievement. It flows from the Spirit's work in the community of Christians. Just as the Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, the Spirit brings forgiveness that restores life. Only in the Spirit can we both receive God's mercy and extend it to others.

These scriptural truths lead to practical consequences for our daily lives. First, we need to renew our faith in the Holy Spirit. Many Christians live as if the Spirit were an afterthought. Pentecost calls us to recognize the Spirit as the principal agent of our salvation and sanctification. Second, we need to invoke the Holy Spirit daily. Simple prayers like "Come, Holy Spirit" open our hearts to divine guidance. We cannot live the Christian life on our own strength. We must consciously turn to the Spirit in every decision, trial, and act of service.

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Renew our faith, call on the Spirit every day, and never stop asking for forgiveness. Then, with the power of the Holy Spirit only, our lives will really become witnesses of the risen Lord.

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Finally, we need to ask continuously for forgiveness. Sin blocks the Spirit's action. Frequent confession and humble repentance clear the path for the Spirit to fill us more abundantly. The Holy Spirit comes when we empty ourselves of pride and sin. Let's embrace these three practices this Pentecost: renew our faith, call on the Spirit every day, and never stop asking for forgiveness. Then, with the power of the Holy Spirit only, our lives will really become witnesses of the risen Lord. (*)