“When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.” – Psalm 104:30
On March 9, 1983 Pope John Paul II gave a stirring speech to the Episcopal Conferences of Latin America. He called for an effort of evangelization that would be “new in its ardor, new in its methods, and new in its expression".
Much is said nowadays about this “new evangelization.” Clergy and laity alike have begun to harness the power of the internet and social media to spread the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is also a renewed effort to explain the truth of the Gospel to lands and nations that were once overwhelmingly Christian.
Yet, room still remains for growth in what may be perhaps the most important ingredient of evangelization – ardor. The word itself stems from a Latin root which means, “to burn”. It is an image that harkens back to the first Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples like tongues of fire.
How “on fire” are we for the Lord? Are we burning with love for God and our neighbors? Or are we more focused on seeking our own glory and comfort? Do we have a sense of urgency and a desire to bring the saving power of Christ to a world that so desperately needs His love? Or does it not really bother us that so many people do not know the joy of following Christ?
When the Holy Spirit enflamed the hearts of the first Christians, they stormed to the ends of the earth spreading the Good News. They left behind the safety of their homes and threw themselves wholeheartedly into the mission of Christ, despite countless hardships and persecutions. Imagine what the Church would be like if every Christian had even just an ounce of that ardor!
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may stir up the flames of God’s love within us. Once we have truly experienced the Love of God (aka, the Holy Spirit), we won’t be able to contain our desire to share that love. The message of Jesus’ victory and His promise of salvation will rouse us to action, and our love will become contagious. Those around us will be caught up in the same fire of God’s love, and soon the whole world will be burning, until all poverty and pain are destroyed, and a new creation rises from the ashes.
Merciful Father, send forth your Holy Spirit so that our hearts may be enflamed with the fire of your love. Amen, alleluia!
