…Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. – Ephesians 5:18-20

When St. Paul wrote these words to Christians in the Church of Ephesus, the word he uses for “be filled” means literally, “Go on being filled” with the Holy Spirit. In other words, being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one and done thing. There’s always MORE of the Holy Spirit to be poured into us. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the triune God and there’s always more in God – He’s infinite love and goodness!

I’ve also heard it pointed out that Paul was writing, not to a group of unbelieving, unbaptized people. He was writing to a group of committed Christians of the early Church. And since the inspired words of Scripture speak to us directly and personally today, this might be the take-home message for us this Pentecost:

No matter how long or short a time you’ve been a Catholic, a church-goer, a regular Mass attendee… there is MORE that the Holy Spirit has in store for you. More power and grace to fill your own heart and life… and more power and grace to flow through you to your family, friends, fellow parishioners, neighbors, co-workers and all the people you can affect for good in our city and our world. As I’ve also heard it said and like to quote: “The Holy Spirit is in you, not like a lake, but like a river…” As the river goes on flowing, it goes on filling you with new and living water, and it flows through you and out to those around you.

“Go on being filled with the Holy Spirit…” Come, Holy Spirit!

Happy Pentecost,
Fr. Phil Hurley, S.J.
Pastor