24th May 2026 –
The disciples were rather slow to understand what Jesus’ ministry was really all about.
That they did not always grasp – either the implications or the importance of Christ’s teaching in their ordinary lives is in fact rather reassuring. This did not make them stupid or unspiritual, it meant they were just like a lot of human beings. A good number of people are like the disciples, that is, like the disciples before the experience of Pentecost!
People who knew him, or heard him preach, and even saw the miracles he worked, thought Jesus was nothing more than a special Teacher in Israel or a great prophet, though the various signs and wonders must have had an effect when they were witnessed. And remember all the apostles even deserted Jesus at some time during his trial and passion.
When human beings experience events that might consider abnormal, it is more than likely they were explained away in some way, just as any of us might do if confronted with an incredible happening. Think of Virgin Births, Wise Men and strangely moving stars, water changed into wine, a man who walked on water, the sick made well, the dumb speaking and the blind seeing. As those actions are described it is easier for us to seek some sort of rational explanation, or just dismiss them.
What made the difference was the experience of the resurrection. After the resurrection there occurred a hesitant but significant shift in the disciples thinking, and this had not been fully grasped when Jesus ascended to heaven, but from that day onwards they lived with increased hope. And what were they hoping for? Jesus had told them he would sent them the Holy Spirit who would help them understand the Truth. Ten days later they knew what Jesus meant for: “Suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting”. The ‘Breath of God’ breathed new life into them. It was a mind-blowing experience, and they felt as if their minds were on fire. They made connections and understood at that moment the wonder and magnificence of God’s gift to humanity, a share in the Divine Life.
Jesus proclaimed the presence of the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of God which is actually in us. It is made present by the Holy Spirit at work in our minds and hearts, helping us to grow into fully mature human beings, becoming like Christ Jesus. Without the Spirit a human being is lost in a maze of disconnected thoughts, of easily manipulated feelings, and of destructive behaviour. We can know if the Spirit is in us by looking for the evidence in our lives. Saint Paul says “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23). These are not simply the gifts of grace that come from the Holy Spirit but the signs of its action, and they are the basis of our ability to make judgements, to discern what is true, just and compassionate. And so if we do not invite the Spirit into our lives we cannot live as citizens of the Kingdom of God. If we do not strive to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God now, we shall not live as citizens of God’s Kingdom when we die.
