Never Lose the Power of Pentecost!

 

Fr Ralph de Hahn, Cape Town – I  am so afraid that the magnificent Spirit of Pentecost — which renewed the face of the earth — will continue to become just a passing event and, in many cases, meaningless to our confirmation classes.

We are talking of an unspeakable invitation from the Father and his Son, to share in the divine life of the Blessed Trinity; and to live our whole life in the Spirit, in the very power of God himself.

Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, a passionate charismatic preacher, speaks of “a sober intoxication of the Spirit”. This is what we should hope to see in our young adults preparing for confirmation.

Having been in this game for over 30 years, I know that directors and catechists work tirelessly to achieve miracles. They give so much time and effort; bless them, Lord!

However, I fear we are lacking the right approach for young adults. I would love them to feel, to experience, the power of that Pentecost.

Do They Know What Happened?

Why aren’t they? Where are we failing? Why do so many forget that great, special anointing, the renewal of their baptismal vows, and then dare to enter a selfish, godless world without the power of the Spirit offered them?

Surely, it is because these young people were not conversant with the actual happenings on Pentecost?

How thrilling if each candidate for confirmation was able to tell that story in detail from the scriptures in their own words, with faith and deep conviction.

What happened to those disciples was the manifestation of an awesome power without whom they were terribly fragile, fearful, and just an empty shell!

Preparing for confirmation, candidates should so want that Spirit ignited in them that they yearn for the day which they pray will be their Pentecost…and make them ready to witness to God’s love in the world.