The language of the Spirit

It is Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon us.

This weekend is weird, fantastic, exhausting, wonderful and blessed.

Let me try to explain. I taught language and computer classes at friends' house Friday night. It got late and the next day we continued. On the eve of Pentecost, for the first time in my life, I celebrated the vigil of Pentecost which is a real vigil. A vigil. A supplication of the Holy Spirit. The Mass was mostly in Dutch, but other parts were again in Italian. Portuguese, Spanish and English were also featured that evening.

After I got home late and went straight to sleep, this morning was the festive High Mass with Pontifical assistance from our bishop. Again, it was wonderful and also too I invoked the gift of the Holy Spirit.

As I write this, I am on my way to my mom's house to celebrate Pentecost. In our country, it is customary to also have a second Pentecost day. It is a free Monday that I always celebrate with my family. Now on the way on the train, a woman comes up to me who speaks only French and English. A while later two tourists board from Barcelona and I can speak Spanish with them too.

So this weekend is all about diversity of languages and the warmth and kindness of people close by and loved ones you meet on the train.

I don't consider myself a language prodigy. I am a true beta. But I think the Spirit is opening my heart to the different languages among the peoples.