Pentecost: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Written by Sister Rebecca and Brother Marc (Revised 2013)
*The original article, A Commentary on the Art Piece: "Descent of the Holy Spirit" was published for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, sponsored by Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute in 1998.
The icon portrays the twelve assembled together,
representing the unity of the early church, awaiting the Holy Spirit as the
scriptures say:
*The original article, A Commentary on the Art Piece: "Descent of the Holy Spirit" was published for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, sponsored by Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute in 1998.
The icon of the Descent of the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost is inspired by the Acts of the Apostles chapter 2:1-4:
When Pentecost day came around, they had all met
together when suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a violent wind
which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and there appeared to
them tongues as of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each
of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak different
languages as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.
The icon portrays the twelve assembled together,
representing the unity of the early church, awaiting the Holy Spirit as the
scriptures say:
“And now I am sending down to you what the father has
promised. Stay in the city, then, until you are clothed with the power from on
high. –Luke 24:49
“…You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on
you and then you will be my witnesses…” –Acts
of the Apostles 1:8
The icon, though, is not simply a portrayal of the
historical event; rather it expresses the hidden meaning of the event.
Pentecost is the church’s baptism in fire, its birthday. We recall Christ's
ardent desire that the fire he came to spread on earth would become a
full-blazing fire.
Paul, Mark, and Luke are often included in the icon
although they were not actually present in the upper room at the historical
event. Their inclusion widens our perspective on the meaning of this event: we
see that the apostolic college is not limited to the twelve but also embraces
the seventy disciples of Jesus and signifies and touches the whole body of the
church. Each apostle receives the Holy Spirit personally and individually.
Through the ministry of each of them working together, and through their successors
throughout the centuries, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are brought to the
members of the church in every time and place.
The apostles are seated together in a semi-circle;
they face each other—a beautiful illustration of unity in both mind and heart.
They are all in the foreground and all of the same height, illustrating their
equal honor and dignity. At the top of the icon we see Peter and Paul on either
side of the empty seat of Christ, symbolizing that Christ is invisible yet
ever-present. Through the gift of his Holy Spirit he is actively enlightening,
governing and directing the church.
The overall pattern of this icon illustrates openness:
the upper part is open to the arc of divine presence. The rays symbolize the
descent of the Holy Spirit, the source of all life, on the twelve.
A tongue of fire rests upon each apostle, baptizing
them in the Holy Spirit with a purifying, vivifying, spiritual fire. This icon
is also open at the bottom, showing the openness of God’s Spirit to all people
everywhere and at all times. Each apostle holds a scroll that indicates their
mission to go out to the whole world and preach the Good News of Christ. Some
of the apostles’ hands are extended in recognition of the presence of Christ in
their midst and of their own call to preach the word of Christ. The hands of
the other apostles rest on their hearts—saying “Did not our hearts burn within
us,” as the disciples at Emmaus experienced when Christ journeyed with them. Luke 24:32
At the bottom of the icon is a figure symbolizing the
whole world or cosmos receiving the message and inspiration of the Holy Spirit
as shown by the scrolls.
The inner unity in the Pentecost icon is obvious when
we contemplate its overall form and rhythm. This unity, however, does not
exclude diversity. The apostles’ faces, garments, positions and gestures are
all different. Each is unique, and the gifts of the Spirit are many and varied.
Yet in the midst of diversity, there is a profound peace present within each
apostle, united as they are in the same Spirit.
This entire image is in direct contrast to the
biblical story about Babel Babel
Only in the new creation through the Holy Spirit are
these divisions dissolved and harmony made possible.
This is beautifully expressed in the words of the
liturgical chant:
When the Holy Spirit descended on your apostles, O
Christ, opening their mouths to speak diverse languages, many peoples were gathered
into a unity of belief in the mystery of the uncreated Trinity. We implore you,
O good and gentle lover of humankind, let this same Spirit dwell in us as well.
–Sessional Hymn for Pentecost
The Holy Spirit with all its gifts has been given to
us, to the church and to humanity, beginning with the apostles down to our own
times. Yet we, time–bound as we are, receive these according to our own
openness, attention, readiness and individuality. We continuously wait on the
coming of the Holy Spirit, praying for this enlightenment and awakening throughout
our lives.
Jesus, grant us firm and constant comfort when
discouragement overwhelms our inmost spirit. When our souls are troubled, come
close to us, come close just as you promised to be with your apostles at all
times. Be with us who long for you so that we may ever be united with you and
with each other. –From the Ikos of
Pentecost
