Learning to speak a new language, especially as an adult, is no small victory. It involves not only mastering a new vocabulary and grammar, but also training one’s lips, mouth and tongue to move in ways that are most unusual. Going against years of muscle memory requires a lot of effort. But when someone speaks a foreign language and they speak it well, it is often the cause for surprise and admiration in their listeners. This is what we see in today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. People from every nation heard in amazement how these simple Galileans spoke of God’s mighty acts in their native tongues. It’s the Holy Spirit that is with them.
The Spirit is described as fire and refreshment, as mighty and subtle. The Spirit makes all things new. We see this in today’s Gospel as Jesus approaches his disciples who were in hiding. It is only after he shows them his wounds that they rejoice. His pierced hands and side evoke the memory of the Passion and Crucifixion, but they are now signs of his victory over pain and death. The Lord is there to give them his Spirit, a spirit of peace, forgiveness and freedom.
In our own lives, we may from time to time be weighed down by the memories of suffering and pain. Let us pray that the Spirit of life, comfort, and healing be upon us that our hearts may more readily rejoice in the Resurrection. Here, it may not be going against the memory as when learning a new language, but rather being led to a new way of understanding and expression. This gentle work may take time, but it may be the key to our peace and freedom and the cause of amazement for many at the sight and sound of God’s mighty works. Come Holy Spirit!