May 24: Preparing to Celebrate Sunday’s Mass

Not everyone enjoys stories of “word origins,” but this one is worth our attention. Consider the word “comfort.” Modern usage has led us to think of leisure, softness, and gentle touches when we hear or read the word “comfort.” In fact, the word has an origin which is quite the opposite. “Comfort” comes from the Latin confortare, which means “to strengthen.” More specifically, the Latin fortis means “strong.” Comfort, therefore, once meant (and could mean again!) strength.

St. John Chrysostom (+407) wrote: “Jesus often calls the Holy Spirit the ‘Comforter.’” Is it possible, then, that the Holy Spirit will put some steel in our spine, that He will make us robust in living our faith and defending it, and that He will give us a strength we never thought we could possess? Are we ready for such a gift?

***

The Holy Spirit is no stranger in our life. An early Christian writer said that the Word became flesh “so that God could become accustomed to living in us, and that we could become accustomed to living in God.” For the remaining weeks of the Easter Season, we will hear often about the Holy Spirit, the promised Helper, Advocate or Comforter. These weeks will lead us to the great Feast of Pentecost. It will be then that we celebrate the Spirit – who will come not just for a visit, but to remain with us always, “comforting” us in all ways.