Come Holy Spirit

'When Pentecost day came round, they had all met together, when suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a violent wind which filled the entire house in which they were siting; and there appeared to them tongues as of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak different languages as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.'

Acts 2: 1-4

Duccio's deceptively simple depiction of one of the most significant moments in the life of the Church has much to teach us about how we are to be as 'Pentecost People'.

The apostles are huddled in the upper room, frightened and anxious, afraid of what is going to happen. How often have we hidden ourselves away in our own anxiety, not sure of the next move? The Holy Spirit descends on them and rests above each of their heads as small tongues of fire. Their haloes blaze as a single unit of light. They are no longer a group of individuals but will act as a community of faith. They are all barefooted. When Moses witnessed the burning bush he removed his shoes. Duccio shows the apostles' reverence in the presence of the power of God. There's a lot of gesturing going on. 'What's happening?' "Who, me?' 'What now?' Still uncertain of how to proceed they allow the Holy Spirit to show them the way. The book in one of their hands and the scrolls others hold look tightly bound. The Word of God is about to be released and translated to the whole world. To help the apostles to do this, the door to the room where they are hiding has been broken open. Mary presides serenely over the event, her hands raised in a symbol of wonder and reassurance.

The Holy Spirit calls each of us to be witnesses to the Word in our own lives and in our own time. This fills us with trepidation when we think we have to do it alone, but rather than hiding away in fear, with his grace and power and under his guidance, we really can change the world.