One of my priest friends has a pit-bull named Elijah. What has this pooch got to do with the prophet who will return before the day of the Lord in his fiery chariot with flaming steeds whirling like the fire he is? Maybe my friend likes the idea of calling out the name “Elijah” several times each day. That way, the priest can recall Elijah, the fierce hound of God, leaping out of the pages of biblical prophesy, all-the-while- baying and growling the word of the Lord.
The bible recalls the scene of Elijah, the astonishing prophet of Israel who is walking with his protege Elisha when Elisha asks the Lord for a double portion of the spirit of his mentor. Suddenly Elijah is on fire and his chariot and horses are blazing as a strong whirlwind snatches him — chariot, horses and all– and Elijah is taken up into heaven. Elisha puts on Elijah’s mantle and assumes the prophetic vocation.
In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke relates the first Pentecost when the Lord’s spirit comes upon the assembly and each of them receives a portion of the fiery spirit which comes rushing into the room and into their hearts. The fire is like Jeremiah’s fire, a sizzling spirit settles in their bones. Christ’s followers are compelled to express this experience as they rush out of the house and into the streets of Jerusalem singing the praises of God in all tongues.
Jesus had commanded them to pray for what John had clearly promised: “I baptize with water for repentance but the one who comes after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit pours Himself into each follower and inflames them with the spirit of Jesus. This Spirit moves the believer to announce the Gospel.
When the breath of the Holy Spirit starts like a whirlwind in your soul you find out what God is. John the evangelist says “God is love.” These words surely are the source for the ancient Christian prayer which begins: “Come, Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful people and enkindle within them the fire of your divine love.”