The beginning of Christendom is, strictly, at a point out of
time. A metaphysical trigonometry finds it among the spiritual Secrets, at the
meeting of two heavenward lines, one drawn from Bethany along the Ascent of
Messias, the other from Jerusalem against the Descent of the Paraclete. That
measurement, the measurement of eternity in operation, of the bright cloud and
the rushing wind, is, in effect, theology. (Charles Williams, Descent of the Dove)
Today's the Feast of Pentecost and we celebrate the descent of the Spirit upon the disciples, who fills them with the fire of divine love. You might like this powerful wisdom from St. Basil the Great:
And He, like the sun, will by the aid of thy purified eye show thee in Himself the image of the invisible, and in the blessed spectacle of the image thou shalt behold the unspeakable beauty of the archetype.
Through His aid hearts are lifted up, the weak are held by the hand, and they who are advancing are brought to perfection. Shining upon those that are cleansed from every spot, He makes them spiritual by fellowship with Himself. Just as when a sunbeam falls on bright and transparent bodies, they themselves become brilliant too, and shed forth a fresh brightness from themselves, so souls wherein the Spirit dwells, illuminated by the Spirit, themselves become spiritual, and send forth their grace to others.
Hence comes foreknowledge of the future, understanding of mysteries, apprehension of what is hidden, distribution of good gifts, the heavenly citizenship, a place in the chorus of angels, joy without end, abiding in God, the being made like to God, and, highest of all, the being made God [that is, sharers in the divine nature]. Such, then, to instance a few out of many, are the conceptions concerning the Holy Spirit, which we have been taught to hold concerning His greatness, His dignity, and His operations, by the oracles of the Spirit themselves.
Veni Sancte Spiritus,
LSP
4 comments:
After the Day of Pentecost, many of Christ's apostles left and never returned to Judea (Roman Province) and more particularly to Jerusalem. It's important to note that they took the Gospel to both Jew (many of whom had tin ears) and Gentile alike because the good news was and is for everyone.
And for us, sinners and downtrodden, it is required that we love everyone if we would follow the Savior's example. I find that admonition and commandment exceptionally difficult to execute in a spirit of discipleship (discipline). Never the less, the Day of Pentecost is a stark reminder of obligation for those who believe. Going forward with love toward all and malice toward none. Challenging stuff but worthy of consideration on this day.
This is either a "great minds" moment, or the working of the Holy Spirit. Or both?
Happy Pentecost, dear LSP. May you be blessed with abundant fish.
I couldn't agree more, LL; abide in my love, says Christ. Of course that doesn't mean we should kow-tow to the Deep State stooges of the NWO and their puppets in the lying, elite, sly, venal mainstream media.
Christ, curiously, seems to have had great affection for Roman soldiers.
That seems relevant somehow.
Definitely a spirit led confluence of aspects, Adrienne!
God bless.
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