Many people, one Spirit | Restout’s Pentecost

By Br Thomas Thérèse Mannion, O.P | Restout’s Pentecost, which hangs in the Louvre in Paris, is full of the energy and drama of an encounter with God. It helps us to see the Holy Spirit as the great gatherer, uniting us in Christ, in his Church.

Text:
‘When the day of Pentecost came they were all together in one room’

Notice the great classical columns reminiscent of Roman basilicas, which once were homes and banqueting halls but now home of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Clouds reminiscent of heaven, and the incense from the divine worship. The great wind not only shown not only in the cloud but in the falling flames, raining light, the spirit descending.

Notice the great diversity, and vast number depicted, the multitude of reactions to this encounter with God.  The Holy Spirit is the great gatherer, uniting us in Christ, in his Church.

There are many different responses to the encounter with God. Repentance. Prayer. Humility. Awe at coming into contact with the fullness of life. All gifts from God. Also the imperative to preach, to go to all nations to bring them to the banquet hall.

Notice, the light around Mary showing the radiance which comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Radiating the light which comes from Holy Spirit to others. She symbolises the Church.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Fidelity, Kindness, Self-Control. These fruits, call out, lift up, and draw others into Christ’s light.

Image:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jean_II_Restout_-_Pentecost_-_WGA19318.jpg

Music:
https://archive.org/details/VeniCreatorSpiritus

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