Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here

The Holy Spirit Fills Us With Love And Grace

Before his Passover, Jesus told the Apostles that he would ask the Father to send another Advocate to be with them - the Spirit of truth: the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and filled them with the fortitude to go out and preach the Gospel to the whole world.

Not only did the Holy Spirit embolden the Apostles, but the entire scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. This is the Father speaking through the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, through love as the author of grace, the Spirit shares the grace and love of the Father and Son with each of us.

The Francesca Battistelli song "Holy Spirit" expresses these thoughts and concepts in a beautiful way. The song begins quietly, meditatively reminding us that "There is nothing worth more" than the Holy Spirit. It is the source of our Christian hope. It satiates us with the presence of the Lord, and with the Lord's love.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, we can feel the love of God for each of us. It is a love so great that we want to share it with the world. It is a love that frees us to become what God wants us to be - fully alive in him. Feeling this love removes the shame we feel due to our sinful nature. In the supreme act of love, Jesus died on the cross and opened the gates of heaven to each and every one of us. And, because of his great mercy, he forgives us our sins. Knowing that we are children of God, and that he forgives us and loves us, is truly freeing. We need no longer fear that we are doomed to spend eternity away from God.

In the chorus, Francesca welcomes the Holy Spirit. The lyrics express the recognition that we must open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Being in communion with God is what our hearts long for. As St. Augustine so astutely pointed out, "O Lord our hearts are restless until they rest in you." Being filled with the presence of God will overwhelm us, body and soul, giving us the smallest glimpse of the beatific vision.

The second verse is a repeat of the first verse; however, it is presented with much more drive, reinforcing the message announced in its first presentation. The second chorus continues the fervor established in the second verse.

Interestingly, the bridge follows the same pattern as the song overall: a meditative first rendering of the lyrics, followed by a more intense voicing of the message.

The song ends with the chorus, sung as the song began, quietly, meditatively. We are called to ponder the wonders and love of God, and the power and beauty of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on this message, God's love for us, and the joy of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

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