Today’s liturgy highlights several sudden, unexpected, and unprecedented events: the Risen Lord entering the locked room and the coming of the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on today’s readings, our hearts overflow with awe and gratitude to our Father, who works patiently and longs to empower his children with his Spirit. What had been long planned often appears to human minds as a “sudden” event. Let us trust God with our impossibilities, knowing that he alone brings creative solutions “suddenly” at the appointed time. What the fear-filled apostles experienced after being filled with the Holy Spirit is also available to us, to equip and empower us for the glory of our Savior. That same “sudden” outpouring happened at our Baptism and Confirmation, and it is further activated when we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Our world needs to see heaven invading the earth, and we are called to make it happen by the power of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER: Abba Father, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Amen.