In the biblical tradition there are many images to evoke the mystery of the Holy Spirit: water, fire, wind, breath, ray of light, finger of God, comforter, witness … Also in the Pentecost sequence there is a great plurality of images, nouns, verbs: father of the poor, giver of gifts, light of hearts, rest, shelter, comfort … He is the one who washes, moistens, heals, folds, warms, compels … The Spirit allows the pilgrims of Jerusalem to understand each other while speaking different languages, but it seems that we humans do not have enough words or verbs to tell all its truth and beauty. In this inexhaustible variety of words, there is an element that surprisingly always returns: the verbs are numerous, but all transitive. That is, they have an object complement, they express an action directed towards someone. Nouns and adjectives also have the same quality: they do not describe what the Spirit is in itself, but what it is for others, to their advantage: rest for those who are tired, comfort for those who are crying, strength for those who it is weak, light for those in darkness …
The Spirit generously bestows many gifts on our life, but perhaps what we need most is precisely this: that our existence becomes, so to speak, “more transitive”, less turned in on itself, more open and oriented to God. and to others.

Commentary by Comunità di Dumenza

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves, Prinknash Abbey