Jesus was born quietly in a hidden manger in Bethlehem. However, at the great feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came in a great manifestation of power in the very center of Jerusalem. From the very beginning, he wanted the whole world to know that he had come and would abide until the end of time.

On Pentecost, we were gathered in the Upper Room, faithful to Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem until anointed with the Spirit. Each day, we continued in prayer and great expectancy. Suddenly, we heard a noise like a mighty wind that filled the room. Then, we saw tongues like fire that parted and rested on each of us. For the first time, under the Spirit’s power, we began to speak in different tongues. This was the first and abiding manifestation of the Spirit.

This manifestation would constantly happen when the Spirit was given. Cornelius and his family spoke in tongues (The Pentecost of the Gentiles – Acts 10; 44-49). The disciples of Ephesus spoke in tongues (Acts 19:6). This powerful manifestation was so common in the Early Church that Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy (1Cor.14:5). How important are all the Spirit’s manifestations. Yet, they are mostly unknown in the Church. The Holy Spirit, alas, remains hidden and unknown.