It is 25th May 2020.
We celebrate the memorials of Sts. Gregory VII, Pope, Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, religious, Bede, Priest and Doctor and Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians.
The readings are from Acts 19:1-8; and the Gospel from John 16:29-33.
Fruitfulness in spiritual life comes by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
The Sacrament of Baptism allows us to experience the presence of the Third Person of the Most Holy Trinity.
The Catechism teaches us No. 703: “It belongs to the Holy Spirit to rule, sanctify, and animate creation, for he is God, consubstantial with the Father and the Son. Power over life pertains to the Spirit, for being God he preserves creation in the Father through the Son.64
The need of the community of believers grows rich beyond the Sacrament of Baptism.
The Third Missionary Journey of Paul reached Ephesus and spent three long years educating and enlightening the hearts of the believers to know, relate and to be born again in the Spirit.
“He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” (Acts.19:2).
Paul introduced the Person of the Holy Spirit and made the believers to experience another higher level of loving God.
The Spirit of God teaches us and leads us to God through the Word.
Clarity and logical thinking are the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The absence of one faculty does not deny the existence of another.
The responsorial Psalm praises, “Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.” (Ps.68:32).
The Gospel strengthens us to continue travelling for the Lord even if the wind is against us.
“In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (Jn.16:33).
We cannot continue the mission of Christ without the help of the Holy Spirit.
Persecution, pain and hatred towards our efforts is overcome with the spirit of Jesus.
More we rely on ourselves and our skills leaving the Holy Spirit we find it hard to explain, explore, encounter the reality of pain and suffering.
God is not in a hurry when we face so much of woes and worry. Yet, God wants us to overcome everything we face through Jesus.
God’s peace is guaranteed to all of us through the intimacy, and closeness with the Holy Spirit.
Whatever pain, suffering, sickness we face, we need to know that we are not alone even though we do not smell God yet we can feel God who put the evil in its place by the Sacrifice of Jesus.
God is with us through the presence of the Holy spirit is not an emotion but it is the awareness of the assurance peace, protection and provisions of life.
May you have a good day. May the Holy Spirit help us overcome all that we face in our life.
God bless you.