In catechizing about Pentecost with our young children and their families, we discussed how the Apostles huddled in the Upper Room and were simply afraid after Jesus died, even after they knew he rose from the dead. They didn’t know how to move forward. They were known for being followers, not leaders, and now with their leader gone, they had no idea what the plan was. They were afraid, as the Scripture story tells us, until the Holy Spirit came upon them. As we expressed it with the children, with the power of the Holy Spirit, they became “brave” and from that day on they shared Jesus’ story, life and love, so others would be followers, from generation to generation, continuing to today, with us.

Shortly after our lesson I spoke with one of our moms going through cancer treatment. She spoke with such courage about how well her chemo was going, just one treatment to go! Only to share she will then begin radiation and surgery. I thought…this is what it means to be brave. I could almost see the Holy Spirit hovering over her, filling her. I know having talked with her and her family, she believes that her secret power is the power of prayer, of her prayer and all of us praying for her.

I ran into another mom I love, who is on a journey of grieving a great loss. Her heart was broken but she was carrying on. I know she is taking it only “one day at a time” but I also know each day she is brave. Each day she is holding on, trusting God, moving forward, for the sake of those she loves.

These conversations made me think of how the Scripture continues to be the Living Word of God and I wondered if we are not that different from the Apostles. Without a relationship with the Holy Spirit how brave are we? How strong are we? We have just our own strength, our own limited courage, knowledge, understanding, but with the Holy Spirit we each can be brave to face our own hardships, crosses, challenges. Jesus promised us a “helper.” He never expected we could face life on our own.

As we move through Lent, it is great to allow the Lenten practices and sacrifices to soften our hearts. But what would it mean for this Lent if we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit to change us, to make us brave like my friends, to face our challenges believing in the power of prayer? What if, like the Apostles, we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit to not only follow Jesus, but lead others to His heart of love?