Our Easter season is coming to an end, and as we prepare to celebrate the Birth Day of our Church, farewells are in order. Most of all I think of the Apostles who must bid Jesus farewell. They lose Jesus for the second time. What are they to do? Once again, they return to the Upper Room to pray. Even though they have been prepared by Jesus to preach the Good News, they are frightened and perhaps even fearful.
Because we have hindsight, we know the Holy Spirit comes to them bringing the gifts of courage, wisdom, understanding, counsel, and knowledge so they can go out among the people with a renewed spirit. The Spirit descending upon them helps them to move out of their ordinary way of thinking to one that helps them realize the realm of the co-creative power of the Spirit.
“The goal of the spiritual life is to allow the Spirit of Christ to influence all our activity, prayer as well as service. Our role in this process is to provide conditions in our lives to enable us to live in tune with [Christ’s] Spirit.” —Richard Hauser, In His Spirit: A Guide to Today’s Spirituality.
This quote spoke volumes to me and so I share it with you. I believe that during their prayer, the Apostles prayed for the gift of the Spirit that Jesus had promised. They knew they couldn’t go it alone. I think it is the same for us. We need to recognize the Holy Spirit alive and well in our life. It is the breadth that fills us and sends us forth.
So, as we anticipate the coming of the Holy Spirit, let us look at the gifts we have been given. Do we believe we have gifts? How do we use them for the benefit of those we meet? Do we believe that we are being sent forth with the gifts the Spirit has given us? Do we remember that we are not sent out alone even if at times it may seem that way?
The Spirit is sending us out to be a witness of Jesus’ mercy. He is sending us out to show his love by treating people with the same kindness and mercy we have been shown. May your week be filled with opportunities to use your gifts to raise people up and help them recognize their gifts so they can help make this world a better place.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
