Descent of the Holy Spirit. Holy and Glorious Pentecost
Acts 2:1-11; John 7:37-52; 8:12
Feast of the Lord. Holy Day of Obligation
Read John 7:37-52; 8:12
When someone asks us about symbols of the Holy Spirit, the most popular ones that come to mind are a dove, wind, and fire. One which is less often mentioned is the symbol of the Holy Spirit that is presented in today’s Gospel.
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” The next verse explains that Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that “rivers of living water” is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is predicting what will happen on Pentecost.
These powerful spiritual rivers will enter Jesus’ apostles and then will flow out of them in a powerful way. The apostles are described as conduits. The apostle Peter, who is one of the recipients of the powerful Holy Spirit, goes on to preach in a most powerful way. How powerful? 3000 people decide to get baptized.
As physical living or moving waters enliven and refresh bodies, so the spiritual living or moving waters enliven and move souls.