23/05/2026
New Heights
For the apostles and disciples, walking with Jesus was extraordinary, but on Pentecost day, they were taken into new heights. What a story on Pentecost day!
St. Luke was on point when he wrote: “when the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit…”
The new heights came when we are told; they all began to speak in tongues. This was new because during the ministry of Jesus, they all used basically one language which was familiar in Palestine. But on Pentecost day they spoke different languages: that of Parthians, Medes, Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and
Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene.
St. Luke tells us that “they were astounded, and in amazement they asked, ‘Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?’” I am glad that a testimony was given that day that “it was the mighty acts of God.”
When God visits us in His power He takes us into new heights. The new heights can be seen in the birth of a church; Divine enablement; spiritual gifts; and the internal power to live a Christ-like life over human limitation. Let us briefly reflect on these features of the new heights after Pentecost.
Before Pentecost, many people in Jerusalem saw the followers of Jesus as a sect within Judaism. This perception was widespread that even some Roman officials bought into it. The Roman historian Tacitius and the Roman governor Pliny the Younger described Christianity as a sect within Judaism. But on Pentecost day everyone who wished to see, saw something different. Thousands of people came from all walks of life and were initiated into the Church. This was truly a new height to the amazement of all.
The second feature is that Pentecost gave the apostle a divine enablement. Before Pentecost they were hiding in fear in the upper room, but when they were enabled, they emerged on the streets of Jerusalem forcefully preaching and baptizing as if the religious and political leaders were on a sabbatical. As you read this piece today, I pray for your spiritual enablement so that what seems to hold you down, the Holy Spirit will set you free to live your life for Christ.
The third element of the new heights is the gifts that Pentecost brings to God’s church. We pray that God will continue to bless His church with the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and the fear of the Lord. These are the gifts that will enable one to live a Christ-centred life. We pray that the Holy Spirit will take us into new heights of holiness.
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
PRAY FOR US.
Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong
Department of Social Communication - Catholic Diocese of Sunyani
Kumasi Archdiocese
Catholic Diocese of Obuasi
Catholic Diocese of Techiman
Catholic Diocese of Goaso
Catholic Photography
CAK TV GH
Catholic Trends
