Drunk with the Spirit

In the Church of the Annunciation in Galilee.
I often have thought lately of the Holy Spirit as comforter, stressing Presence within me, deepening my relationship with God.  The Sequence for Pentecost is very much in this mood, with phrases like "welcome guest" and "sweet refreshment" and "melt the frozen, warm the chill."
The first reading for Pentecost is something else again.  Nothing gentle and comforting.  Acts 2:1-13 emphasizes powerful sound, tongues that look like flames, many languages.  This is a Spirit who pushes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to risk being true to ourselves as individuals and as Church. 
It is easier to play it safe, never to leave the upper room, go along with what others expect of us.  It's easier to slide back into the old way of doing things.  It may not attract very many people to faith and to God, but it seems safer.
If we believe in the Holy Spirit and let the Spirit possess us, we will move boldly into tomorrow, thinking new thoughts, finding new ways to be Church.  We will open ourselves to the wild variety of the human race, like the disciples being understood in each person's native language.  The Holy Spirit is a bold guide who inspires us to risk looking like we "are drunk with new wine."