The apostles are no longer terrified and in hiding after Jesus’ crucifixion, but, driven by what seems like a powerful wind from heaven and tongues of fire, they go out into the market square proclaiming the marvels of God. The people are from many foreign places but everyone hears and understands in his or her own language what is being said. It signifies a reversal of the confusion of language in the story of Babel and the beginning of humanity’s restoration to unity.
Not only is the Spirit of God our helper but also, as St. Paul says in the second reading, He has “made His home” in us. The source of this divine life of the Spirit within us is the Father “who raised Jesus from the dead”. Having received the gift of the Spirit we are called to live “spiritual lives”. We may lack the power to describe the beauty of God’s creation, but with the help of the Holy Spirit we can speak in words that bring love, healing and reconciliation. When the words are accompanied by actions of self-giving they will be understood and accepted, whatever the language of the recipient.