THE LIFE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT ~ CookingFood.Org

“RISEN WITH CHRIST”

Easter Reflections

Tuesday, 23^rdMay 2017,

Sixth Week of Easter

Acts 16: 22-34;

Ps 138: 1-3,7-8 (R. 7);

Jn 16:5-11.

THE LIFE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

In the first reading, we find Paul behind the bars filled with the power of the Holy Spirit praising and thanking God for giving him and his companions a share in the suffering of Christ. This is the true grace of the Holy Spirit working in them, teaching them to do the right things at the right moment. Therefore when the prison doors were opened they did not escape. This witness of theirs leads to the conversion of the jailor and his family. They are instructed by the Holy Spirit to save the life of the jailor, the one who was the cause of their suffering.

In the Gospel, the hearts of the Apostles were filled with grief, but they were also trying to trust what Jesus said to them. Jesus told them He was ascending to His Father and that it was better for them that He go. For if He goes, He will send the Holy Spirit to them.

On a human level, it would have been quite hard for the Apostles to let go of their daily interactions with Jesus. They certainly missed seeing Him with their eyes, touching Him and hearing Him. But Jesus made it clear that even though He was leaving He would be with them always. And He would also send the Holy Spirit upon them to lead them, give them courage, and teach them all truth. They would now be His presence in the world by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We never had the privilege of seeing Jesus in the way the Apostles did. But we do have the same privilege of Him being with us always. And we have the same privilege of receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We may have been confirmed, but we may also still fail to let the Holy Spirit in and transform our lives. As we near the Solemnity of Pentecost, Humbly admit to yourself if you need to let the Holy Spirit become more alive in your life. Trust that Jesus wants you to receive Him in His fullness. And be not afraid to let this union take place. We need to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit who is in us and who tries to lead us on the path of truth.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, please come to me. Help me to inflame Your presence in my life. May I receive You who was promised by Jesus in Your fullness. Holy Spirit, Divine Jesus, Merciful Father, I trust in You. Amen.