During this Sunday’s Mass, we have one of those rare events: a Sequence between the second reading and the Gospel. We don’t see Sequences very often, because there are currently only three throughout the liturgical calendar, but they are generally very ancient and beautiful hymns that have become a part of the liturgy during major feasts, such as we see today with Pentecost.
The Pentecost Sequence starts out with what could be a prayer all its own: “Come, Holy Spirit, Come!” This brief acclamation is one that we should pray every day, especially when we need the inspiration and help of the Holy Spirit. It also sets the basic theme of the Sequence: Come, Holy Spirit, give us your help!
Throughout the Sequence, we see how the Holy Spirit helps us. Through refreshment of the soul and providing comfort in the midst of difficulty, the Holy Spirit aids us in persevering in our journey following Our Lord. The Holy Spirit shines within us, lighting the way to Jesus. He works within us to heal our spiritual wounds and soften our hardened hearts towards God. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit works within us and the Church to bring us to salvation.
We cry out to the Holy Spirit for help, because Our Lord sends the Holy Spirit as our Advocate: an intercessor and guide for our lives. Of course, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, and so this help we receive from the Holy Spirit is from God Himself. Our Heavenly Father loves us so deeply that He gives us the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, drawing us closer to Him if we allow it.
This is probably one of the most important things to remember about the Holy Spirit: He does not force Himself upon us. The Holy Spirit will give us every aid that we need in our spiritual journey, but only if we open ourselves up to Him. Love cannot be forced upon anyone, and so we must accept the love of God, given to us through the Holy Spirit, out of a selfless love for Him. The love of God is beyond anything we can imagine, but it takes trusting in Him and surrendering ourselves to the Holy Spirit to experience that power and love.
I would encourage all to look at the Pentecost Sequence, and take it to prayer. It really is a beautiful, meditative, and comforting prayer that shows all that the Holy Spirit does for us in our lives. Come, Holy Spirit, Come!
