SOLEMN FEAST OF PENTECOST, C
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HELPER OF MY
INFIRMITY
In a beautiful prayer, the Holy
Spirit is called as the “helper of my infirmity.” This is such a surprising
title given to the Third Person of the Trinity, to the God who comes at
Pentecost.
In life, we are surrounded by
what we may call “infirmity.” Not only physical sickness or disability,
infirmity may be psychological, emotional, or spiritual. It can be a weakness in character or
personality. Anything that impedes
our growth as persons and as Christians may be called infirmity.
The apostles experienced their
own “infirmity.” After the crucifixion, they were plunged into sadness and
depression. They feared the judgment of others. They were embarassed to face
the world. Even after the
Resurrection, they felt weak and unable to do something about the future that
awaited them.
The Holy Spirit came from the
Father and the Son to touch the apostles where they were most hurting, most
weak, most afraid, and most helpless. They broke from their shell, full of life
and eager to share.
We have already received the Holy
Spirit in the sacraments. But he comes again and again to support us in our
“daily infirmities.” We too have
fears, doubts, questions about life, our relationships, our trying situations.
We have obstacles confront. Many things prevent us from running fast or flying
high. What is your infirmity?
Jesus said in the gospel that the
Holy Spirit will be our helper who will do two things for us: the Holy Spirit
will teach us and will remind us.
O Holy Spirit teach me how to
surrender my life in your hands. Teach us to trust God in the midst of our
weakness; teach us the way to grow strong. Lead us to rely on you as our rock
and fortress. You are our hope and joy!
O Holy Spirit remind because I am
forgetful; I slide back to former ways; I fall into the same faults and sins; I
forget how much I am loved. Dear Holy Spirit remind me to look at God and feel
his love, his embrace, his protection. God is with me for I am the temple of
his Spirit.
Holy Spirit, helper of my
infirmity, come!