Come Holy Spirit
June 8, 2025
By Fr. Christopher Kubat, M.D.
It is no accident that Pentecost Sunday is followed by the Solemnities of the Most Holy Trinity and the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. For the disciples, the promised coming of the Holy Spirit was the game changer. Jesus said this about the Holy Spirit, “But I tell you the truth, it is better that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation … he will guide you to all truth.” (John 16:7-13) This includes the truth of the Blessed Trinity and the Most Holy Eucharist.
Remember when a confused Phillip asked Jesus to show him the Father, Jesus responded, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Phillip?” (John 14:9) When we put all the pieces together, we can look at the Blessed Trinity in the following way:
God is first and foremost our Father. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, the first two words out of his mouth were, “Our Father.” It is God the Father who speaks eternally and his word to us is so profound it is a separate person, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) It was the Father’s Word that became a baby, and as a grown man suffered humiliation on the gibbet of the cross. And his love for us is so profound that it is a separate person, the Holy Spirit. Since the Son returns this love back to the Father, Jesus said he would send him to us. Three Divine Persons in one God.
When I gaze at a crucifix, looking at the battered body of Jesus on the cross, I see my Father speaking to me because Jesus is the Word of the Father made flesh hanging on the tree. I also see my Father loving me through His Word.
The reception of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a game changer for the disciples as it is with us. When we receive the Holy Spirit in humility, His seven gifts explode in us:
- Wisdom, which helps us find the truth
- Knowledge, which helps us know the truths
- Understanding, in which we gain further insight into the truth
- Fortitude, which helps us live the truth without fear
- Piety, which helps us love God first and foremost
- Counsel, which helps us know what choices to make
- Fear of the Lord, in which we develop a profound respect for God.
Not long ago, a middle-aged woman who is not a Catholic called and wanted to talk. She admitted she has been watching EWTN for years and has been coming into church to light candles and pray. She experiences profound peace while in church. She was not at all surprised when I introduced her to Jesus in the tabernacle. When I did, she said, “That’s the Eucharist!” And yes, she wants to start classes. Where did this come from? The Holy Spirit, from God the Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ. For years, the Father has been drawing her to Himself. Let us all allow our Father to do the same to us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!