We all enjoy the thrill of fireworks; they are exciting, impressive, and exhilarating. Much like these displays, the Church’s first Pentecost was marked by its own form of fireworks. On this day, while the Apostles along with other Christians were gathered together, a thunderous noise that resembled a strong wind erupted from the sky. Subsequently, flames of fire appeared, emerging spontaneously and hovering in the air. These flames then divided and floated through the air until they came to rest on each of the individuals gathered there. The spectacle did not end there. Suddenly, all the Christians present began speaking in languages they had not known before. By this time, a crowd had assembled, comprised of visitors from all around the world who were in Jerusalem for the festival. Each one heard the Christians explaining the gospel in their own language. This dramatic and spectacular display, however, is not the usual manner in which the Holy Spirit chooses to work in our lives.

In reality, the action of God in our lives through the Holy Spirit is most often gentle and subtle, barely perceptible at first. After His resurrection, when Jesus sent the Spirit to His Apostles, He did so by breathing on them quietly and subtly. St Paul describes the action of the Holy Spirit in the Church as being like the soul of a body—powerful and essential, yet invisible and subtle. The Holy Spirit typically operates quietly.

The most important work of the Holy Spirit is accomplished quietly because it involves changing hearts. This kind of transformation can only occur during an intimate encounter between God and the soul. The story of St. John Gualbert serves as a beautiful example of this type of encounter. John, the founder of a monastery outside Florence, in the mid-eleventh century — a place that has been a bastion of holiness ever since — did not start his life as a saint. As a young nobleman, he indulged in all the pleasures and privileges of aristocratic life. His main passion, however, was revenge, driven by his desire to avenge his brother Hugh’s murder. For a long time, he sought the killer, his anger intensifying with each passing day.

One Good Friday, as John was returning to Florence from a journey, he encountered his brother’s murderer in a narrow pass. With no escape possible for either party, John drew his sword, ready to kill. However, at that critical moment, with his sword poised over the killer who was begging for mercy, the image of Christ on the cross — forgiving His enemies — flashed through John’s mind. Overcome by this vision, John sheathed his sword, embraced the murderer, and forgave him. After this profound encounter, John went to the nearest church to pray, where he discovered his vocation and started his journey towards sainthood. This quiet reflection on Christ’s forgiveness illustrates the true work of the Holy Spirit—subtle yet immensely powerful.

To experience the transformative presence of God in our lives, we must adhere to one crucial condition: we must obey His will out of love, as Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word.” We all desire to follow God’s will —some passionately, others more reluctantly. But how can we discern God’s will? The Holy Spirit quietly reveals it to us in several ways. First, through the teachings of the Church — commandments in the Bible, instructions in the Catechism, examples of the saints, and regular updates from the Pope’s encyclicals, the Holy Spirit ensures we understand how a Christian ought to live. In this respect, the Church, led by the Pope, acts like the conductor of a symphony, guiding us to play our parts well.

However, while the Church provides commandments and guidelines applicable to everyone, accounting for about 85% of God’s will, there are times — about 15% — when we face unique opportunities and challenges specific to our own lives. It is during these times that the Holy Spirit guides us more personally, through inspirations, His seven gifts, and wise counsel. In all these ways, the Holy Spirit is tirelessly at work, quietly but surely building our happiness and that of those around us. Let us, therefore, in today’s Mass as He renews His commitment to guide us, renew our commitment to follow and obey. Let us do so not in expectation of spiritual fireworks, but to nurture the steady flame of God’s love in our hearts — a flame whose light and warmth are essential for us all.