At baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, permanently marking us as children of God. Confirmation stirs and seals the gift we have received, strengthening us to go on our mission with boldness. But many of us, years after baptism and confirmation, are still stuck in the upper room, doors locked for fear of the world. We received the gifts, but we can’t put a finger on what we’re called to do. Why? We quenched the fire of the Holy Ghost with our sinful ways.
When the fire falls: Holy Ghost power
The Feast of Pentecost is another chance for the Lord to reignite us. When the wind blows, our gifts, once buried in the rubble of sin, can come to the surface again. The apostles were locked in, not just by doors but by fear. Fear of arrest. Fear of death. Fear that what happened to Jesus might now happen to them. Though Jerusalem was buzzing with pilgrims from every nation gathered for the Feast of Pentecost, the disciples weren’t out there.
But when The sound of heaven filled the room, everything changed. The same men who had trembled in silence, who couldn’t even defend Jesus at His trial, suddenly burst into the streets, speaking in power, declaring boldly the wonders of God. No shame. No hiding. No fear.
And later, when they were flogged, threatened, and thrown in prison, they didn’t shrink back. They praised God that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name. What happened? The Holy Spirit happened. Even now, when the fire falls, something MUST shift in us.
Stirs up our gifts
What’s worse than death? Not knowing your purpose! Your purpose is closely tied to your gifts. God endows you with what you need to accomplish, which He has called you to do for His people. At Pentecost, we ask God to rekindle what might have grown dormant — like stirring coals back into flame (2 Tim 1:6). When the fire falls, the dead bones are given the breath of life. He brings boldness, clarity, and fire to live out our calling in areas like chastity, evangelisation, and holiness.
Deepens our relationship with God
Pentecost is about the Spirit getting more of us. The filthy areas in our lives that we’re ashamed of, the holy ghost helps us let go—Lay it all down at the feet of Jesus. Through prayer, worship, and openness, we experience new depths of surrender, intimacy, and love.
Sometimes, we receive new revelations, greater peace, or healing. When we step out of the Pentecostal mass, our prayer life catches fire, our desire for the word of God goes over the roof, and our revelation of who He is goes deeper. We become a new creation, called to holiness and to be the light of the world.
Receive new graces for the season ahead
While the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent from confirmation (wisdom, understanding, etc.), the Spirit can pour out charisms or graces for specific missions:
- A new grace for teaching, intercession, courage, or purity.
- A fresh anointing to walk in the gifts you already have with new confidence. He can also bring clarity about your calling and direct your steps on what to do next.
- Maybe you’ve been dry or distracted. The Spirit can reignite the hunger to sit with God again.
- The Spirit can pour healing oil on wounds, shame and fear that paralysed your walk with our Lord and make room for joy again.
Boldly embrace chastity out of love for God’s will
Many people practising chastity often use it as a bargaining chip. Because I’m chaste, God should do this and that for me. For many, it’s the key to finding a spouse. But with the fire of the Holy Ghost, the narrative changes. You have a fresh zeal for chastity as worship. It’s no longer just “avoiding sin” or “gains” but a joyful offering to the one you love.
You may also gain the courage to speak up for your faith, especially in dating, friendships, or online interactions. Plus, the grace to resist and overcome temptations that once knocked you off your feet. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold evangelists. For the very first time, we may feel led to testify about the sexual sins that once held us captive for ages.
A renewed passion to live the gospel
Put to work the five talents you received at Pentecost so that when the masters come, yours will be:
"Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy" (Matthew 25:21)
