Ordinary Time 
Pause
The greatest mystery of our faith is the identity, work, and purpose of the Holy Spirit.
As elusive as the wind, the Spirit evades our capture yet manages to touch, nudge, comfort, or trip us just the same.
Rather than attempting to capture, predict, or define the Spirit, why not simply affirm that the Spirit is and open your heart, inviting God's mysterious Spirit to take up residence in you.
Listen
There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. They were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; as well as residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya bordering Cyrene; and visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the mighty works of God in our own languages!” They were all surprised and bewildered. Some asked each other, “What does this mean?” Others jeered at them, saying, “They’re full of new wine!”
Acts 2:5-13
Think
If Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the Gospels of Jesus Christ, then I think Acts should be called the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. It tells the amazing Good News of what the Spirit can do in and through the lives of believers.
Beginning with Jesus’ Ascension, Acts has Jesus departing with a promise to the disciples regarding the Spirit. First, Jesus says they will receive the Spirit once he’s gone. And second, Jesus explains that the Spirit will give them an internal power source that will allow them to be witnesses at home and throughout the world!
He was not kidding either! Once they received the Spirit in Acts 2, they went from being terrified and confused to being bold, articulate, and ready for action.
Is there an area of your life that is tainted or controlled by fear? A place in your life that has not been given over to God? Hear this: The Spirit can and will give you the boldness you need to face whatever is in your path! Just ask!
Wade Griffith
Pray
God, I confess my timidity when it comes to speaking your name and sharing my own story of faith. I confess that when I am faced with scary circumstances or decisions, I often forget you altogether, never asking for the help you are so eager to give. Wake me up to the truth that you are here with me and can give me the courage I need!
Go
Today, don't forget that God's Spirit is with you and for you! Receive this gift. Just ask, and off you'll go, arm in arm!
Who knows what adventures, tasks, or opportunities the Spirit might have in store for you today? Let the future begin!
