The Descent of the Holy Spirit

And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them.

Acts 2:3

Huddled once more, the apostles hid in the Upper Room. The Lord had returned for 40 days, but now was gone again. His mother, whom he told would be their mother, tried to calm them, to reassure them, but their fear was great and their faith small.

And then another of his promises was fulfilled: tongues of fire spread out and the Holy Spirit descended upon them. They were gifted with complete knowledge of languages (whether that means they understood every language, or each was given the languages they needed for their ministries is point of mild contention, but is not necessary for belief in the Descent of the Holy Spirit) right in time for all the Jewish diaspora to come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost.

They began to spread Christianity like a fire. The Holy Spirit will always give us the tools we need to complete the make disciples of all peoples. All we have to do is ask.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.