Humility and the Power of the Holy Spirit

May 15, 2026

By Fr. Christopher Kubat, M.D.

Greetings! Lent and Easter flew by. It is not accidental that the Easter season ends with Pentecost Sunday, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Jesus gathered in the upper room with the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was filled with grace, or divine life, from her conception. You can bet the disciples were very close to the Mother of God after the Ascension of her most beloved son Jesus Christ into heaven.

What happened at Pentecost? The room shook, they heard a sound like a roaring wind and the Holy Spirit descended on them like tongues of fire. Before Pentecost, they were fearful men, afterwards they were fearless.

When it comes to the reception of the Holy Spirit into our souls, we must be humble and cooperative. Remember what St. Peter said to the High Priest and the Council who were upset about his preaching? He said, “We are witnesses to these things and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Given to those who obey him.

Only a humble person will obey God. If you wonder what humility looks like in practice, we can only look at the humility of God. The Son of God became man, allowed his creatures to crucify him and hides his majesty in a tiny host.

If we humble ourselves, rather than wasting the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, we will use them. We will then bear fruit, fruit which will endure if we remain humble. Two of the fruits of the Holy Spirit are peace and joy, but not the type of peace and joy that the world gives which comes and goes. Peace and joy that is deep within and remains.

Have you ever prayed the Litany of Humility?

Oh Jesus, Humble of Heart, keep our hearts humble with your grace! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

Fr. Christopher Kubat is the national chaplain for the Catholic Medical Association.