Some Holy Spirit themes

“For it is not eating and drinking that make the kingdom of God, but the saving justice, the peace and the joy brought by the Holy Spirit.”  (Romans 14: 17)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that in the power of the Holy you may be rich in hope.” (Romans 15: 13)

“I was given grace to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the gentiles, dedicated to offer them the gospel of God, so that gentiles might be an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15: 16)

In the above scriptures from Romans, we see the centrality of the Holy Spirit in the work of the Church.  There can be no saving justice without the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the principle of holiness.  His action in our soul makes us righteous and holy.  He is the Spirit of peace and joy.  Any peace and joy that are sought in the flesh is futile.   The Holy Spirit makes us rich in hope.  Sometimes in our prayer, we cry out to God, “O Lord, how long?”  The Holy Spirit causes us to persevere until we get our answer.  Finally, no Holy Spirit no mission.  The Holy Spirit is the power behind evangelization. 

Spirit and Prayer

The Holy Spirit teaches us to love.
The Holy Spirit helps us to be courageous in bearing witness to Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray.

Gesu

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The Holy Spirit is the first fruits

“And not only that: we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we are groaning within ourselves, waiting with eagerness for our bodies to be set free. In hope, we already have salvation; in hope, not visibly present, or we should not be hoping – nobody goes on hoping for something which he can already see. But having this hope for what we cannot yet see, we are able to wait for it with preserving confidence.” (8: 23 -25) (NJB)
The gift of the Holy Spirit is the first fruits of the blessings to come. When we possess this incredible gift of the Holy Spirit, we know for certain that God will fulfill all His promises to us. We can wait with persevering confidence for heaven to be our permanent residence.

By the Spirit or by Natural Inclinations

“You, however, live not by your natural inclinations, but by the Spirit, since the Spirit of God has made a home in you. Indeed, anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But when Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin but the spirit is alive because you have been justified; and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead has made his home in you, then he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.
So then, my brothers, we have no obligation to human nature to be dominated by it. If you do live in that way, you are doomed to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the habits originating in the body, you shall live.” (Romans 8: 9 – 13)
To live by the Spirit is the opposite of living by the flesh or by human inclinations. The flesh is served by 5 senses: eye, ear, nose, tongue and touch. Living by the Spirit means walking by faith and not by the evidence of the 5 senses. Sometime ago, I watched on 20/20 the case of a Californian man who spent 10 years in jail based on the visual evidence of a rape victim. DNA evidence later exonerated him. There are many such cases of wrongful imprisonment based on physical evidence. The certainty of the jury in passing sentence never suggested any shade of doubt that they might be wrong. It reminds me of the trial and imprisonment of Joseph in Egypt.
To live by the Spirit is to live by faith. The above scripture says with certitude that the Spirit of God has made his home in us. Praise God.

Storms of life

“Then it began to blow a great gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped.” (Mark 4: 37)
Expect storms: big storms, big trials, big troubles. They are the fact of life. One of the truths I learned some years ago after going to a life-changing retreat is that often after the mountaintop experience comes the valley. Expect it. I am just back from another life-changing retreat. As we filled the questionnaire after the retreat, one of the questions was: What would you like to see improved in the retreat. I lacked the inspiration to note that the organizers need to warm the participants of the mountaintop/valley experience. It is crucial.
“But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep.” (Mark 4: 38)
Whatever the trial, trouble or temptation, as soon as I notice the presence of Jesus, I become calm. No wonder why visits to the Blessed Sacrament in the period of deep stress ALWAYS has great calming effect on me. Many people witnessed to this too. The storm may be furious. But Christ is in control. Do not panic.
“Master, do you not care? We are lost!” (Mark 4: 39)
Power of prayer. In a crisis, the key is prayer. Remember Gethsemane? It is a model of prayer in a life-threatening situation. “Father, I am drowning. You can save me. But do so only if it is your perfect will. I know your will for my life is always excellent.”
“Quiet now! Be calm!” (Mark 4: 31)
Jesus calms the storm. No matter whatever the crisis, Christ has absolute power to subdue it.
“Why are you so frightened? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4: 40)
Faith in Jesus Christ gives us access to his promises of: pardon, peace, power, purpose, protection and provision. You can call these, the 6 P’s of God’s promises.
The world says: “seeing is believing.” But the apostles have seen plenty of what Christ can do? After they received the Holy Spirit, their eyes opened to what Jesus had taught by word and example for three years: Believing is seeing. I believe therefore I will see.

Sin

God’s goodness provided everything for David.
“I anointed you king of Israel, I saved you from Saul’s clutches, I gave you your master’s household and your master’s wives into your arms; I gave you the House of Israel and House of Judah; and, if this is still too little, I shall give you other things as well.” (2 Samuel 12: 7 – 8)
Sin is contempt of God.
Mystery of sin – the forbidden fruit
“Why did you show contempt for Yahweh by doing what displeases him?” (2 Samuel 7:9)
Sin and punishment
“Your household will never be free of the sword, since you showed contempt for me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite, to make her your wife.” (2 Samuel 12: 10)
Sin and restitution
“He shall make fourfold restitution for the lamb.” (2 Samuel 12:6)
Sin and repentance
“I have sinned against Yahweh.” (2 Samuel 12: 13)
Sin and forgiveness
“Yahweh for his part, forgives your sin; you are not to die.” (2Samuel 12: 14)
The temptation and fall of David took place after the Prophet Nathan’s prophecy about God’s plan for David and his lineage in 2 Samuel 7: 1 – 7. David who resisted the temptation to avenge himself on Saul when he had the opportunity to kill him easily fell to the temptation of adultery. It shows that every person has his weakness. Without God, we are nothing.

The Spirit and Human Nature

“This was so that the Law’s requirements might be fully satisfied in us as we direct our lives not by our natural inclinations but by the spirit. Those who are living by their natural inclinations have their minds on the things human nature desires; those who live in the spirit have their minds on spiritual things. And human nature has nothing to look forward to but death, while the spirit looks forward to life and peace, because the outlook of disordered human nature is opposed to God, since it does not submit to God’s law, and indeed it cannot, and those who live by their natural inclinations can never be pleasing to God.” (Romans 8: 4-8)
There are two ways to live:
• Natural inclinations
• Spirit
When we live by our natural inclinations, we work to satisfy the desires of human nature. Since the flesh has nothing to offer, there is nothing to look forward to from human nature than death. On the contrary, when we live by the spirit, our mind is set on spiritual things and we look forward to life and peace.
The man of lawlessness does not submit to the laws of God. His outlook on life is disordered and is opposed to God. We look at society today and ask the question: How many people fit this description?

Two Spirits and 2 Outcomes

“Thus, condemnation will never come to those who are in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit which gives life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8: 1-2)
If one is in Christ Jesus, then he is a new creation. The Spirit of life lives in him. The Spirit of life produces effortlessly in him works of righteousness. But he who is not in Christ Jesus is still living the life of the old man. He operates under the law of sin and death which are the consequences of the spirit that dwells in him. This fellow will come under condemnation. But if he renounces his sins and asks Jesus to save him, Jesus will come to him and bind the spirit of sin and death in him and in its place give him the Spirit of life. He is declared righteous and will no longer be under condemnation.

Abound in love

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Love abounding more and more with knowledge and discernment – we are talking about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit pours love into our hearts and teaches us how to love with the love of Jesus Christ. For love to abound in our hearts, we must grow in the Holy Spirit. St. Paul is praying for the Philippians to abound in love with knowledge and discernment. This prayer is also for me and for you. If I abound in love with knowledge and discernment, then I am equipped for my ministry.

“I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last.” (John 15: 16, 19)

“I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, Alleluia.” (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

The 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit are:(CCC #1831)

Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord
What are the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit? (CCC #1832)

Charity
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Generosity
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Modesty
Self-control
Chastity

New Service and Old Service

“But now we are released from the law, having died to what was binding us, and so we are in a new service, that of the Spirit, and not in the old service of a written code.” (Romans 7:6)
The Spirit of God leads us into freedom. He leads us too into a new type of ministry – a ministry that depends entirely on Him and not on our might and power. The old service depends on the energy of the flesh. The new service depends on the power of the Holy Spirit. For one who is in the Spirit, He is a new creation. He sees life from a different perspective, the supernatural perspective.

Be Strong and show yourself a man

Be Strong and show yourself a man


"1 When the time of David's death drew near, he gave these instructions to his son Solomon: 2 "I am going the way of all mankind. Take courage and be a man. 3 Keep the mandate of the LORD, your God, following his ways and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn, 4 and the LORD may fulfill the promise he made on my behalf when he said, 'If your sons so conduct themselves that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart and with their whole soul, you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of Israel.' " (1 Kings 2: 1 -4)
When I read the above scripture in late 1994, I was excited about it. I wanted to be productive and to succeed in whatever I do and wherever I go. I saw the key in this passage. “Keep the mandate of the LORD, your God, following his ways and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses.” Today, after many years, I am as excited by the promises in this scripture as I was at the time I came to reflect on this passage. Our Blessed Mother told me to do whatever the Son tells me.
“Blessed the upright, for he will feed on the fruit of his deeds.” (Isaiah 3: 10)
The word of God promises in several places that he will bless the labors of the person who believes and obeys him. God’s promises are spiritual laws governing everyone and everything. I ought to see my Promised Land scriptures as spiritual laws.
What is the nature of a spiritual law?
• Spiritual law depends on certain conditions for fulfillment.
• They are precise and immutable.
The only conditions necessary for God’s spiritual laws to operate in our lives are faith and prayer. St. Augustine says that these are the two things that conquer God.
“I have strength for everything through him who empowers me.” (Philippians 4: 13). This is a spiritual law that governs me.
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Ten years ago, I confided to my journal the reflection below. Ten years after, I am amazed as to how things have turned out. I now have a teaching ministry in my parish. Ten years ago, I saw it as a tiny speck in the future horizon. God is faithful.
God knows the best for me. He has seen the whole pattern of the weaving of my life. He has seen the finished product. He will make a strategic match between my:
• Purpose
• Personality
• Position (environment)
1. What is my purpose? To learn and to communicate Jesus
Sources of learning:
• Mass
• Prayer
• WOG
• Bible Study
• Promised Land Scriptures
• Christian Radio
• TBN
• Teaching
2. Personality: Jesus Christ describes Himself as the Truth, the Way and the Life. Who am I? A friend and companion of Jesus.
3. Position: Tx-06, STM, SFJ
I trust God to arrange the very best for me.

Perfect Love

“Not only that; let us exult too, in our hardships, understanding that hardship develops perseverance and perseverance develops a tested character and a hope which will not let us down, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (Romans 5: 3 -5)

Exult in my hardships? This seems a tough advice to take. Yet, it is worthy to note how many times in the Bible we find such advice. This passage goes on to teach that if we endure our hardship, we develop perseverance. When we practice perseverance day after day in our trial, the result is a tested character and a hope that will not disappoint. If all this seems impossible for man, the last sentence in the above scripture states why it is true. The Holy Spirit has poured the love of God into our hearts. Perfect love not only drives out fear but makes all things possible.

Spirit and love
Spirit and patience
Spirit and hope

Faithful in little things

“And he said to him, “Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.” (Luke 19: 17)
Faithfulness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
One dictionary defines faithfulness as:
• Full of faith: Ready to believe especially in the promises of God and His declarations.
• True and constant in affection and allegiance; loyal
• Firm in adherence to promises, oaths and undertakings. Firm and thorough in the observe of duty
The Holy Spirit enables us to be faithful to our calling.
Lord, show me what little thing I can be faithful today.
• Prayer
• Eucharist
• Word of God

The Holy Spirit warns Paul of Persecution

“When we had been there several days a prophet called Agabus arrived from Judaea. He came up to us, took Paul’s belt and tied up his own feet and hands, and said, ‘This is what the Holy Spirit says, ‘The man to whom this girdle belongs will be tied up like this by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the gentiles.” (Acts 21: 11 – 12)

What is happening here? Why does the Holy Spirit warn Paul of impending persecution? This is not strange in salvation history. Jesus warns the apostles of His passion and death. He also warns them to be ready for intense persecution. I would like to be warned of impending persecution so that I could prepare for it through prayer, through lectio divina and through the Eucharist. Simeon warns the Virgin Mary that her Son would be a sign of contradiction and a sword would pierce her heart. Mary responded to this revelation through prayer and searching the scriptures. When the time comes for the unfolding of the Paschal Mystery, she was fully prepared.

An alert guard

“Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the guardians, to feed the Church of God which he bought with the blood of his own Son.” (Acts 20: 28)

It is the Holy Spirit who appointed us to the ministry which we exercise today in the Church. The same Holy Spirit urges us to be vigilant first and foremost for ourselves and then for all the people we minister to. A guardian is like a keeper or watchdog for a very important asset. What we guard for ourselves in the treasure of salvation within us. This treasure is in an earthen vessel which is fragile. We guard it from wolves in sheep clothing whose only interest is to despoil us and our flock of this treasure.
Be on the alert therefore for yourself and for your flock.

In Captivity to the Spirit

“And now you see me on my way to Jerusalem in captivity to the Spirit; I have no idea what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit, in town after town, has made it clear to me that imprisonment and persecution await me.” (Acts 19: 22-23)
How I love the expression, “in captivity to the Spirit.” How I wish I am in captivity to the Spirit for the mission that God has destined me for. In Acts 20: 24, Paul writes: “…….provided that I complete the mission the Lord Jesus gave to me – to bear witness to the good news of God’s grace.”

“I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last.” (John 15: 16, 19)
“I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia.” (Psalm 17: 50; 21:23)

Ignorance of the Holy Spirit

“it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul made his way overland as far as Ephesus, where he found a number of disciples. When he asked, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers? They answered, ‘No, we were never even told that there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit.’ He asked, ‘Then how were you baptized?’ They replied, ‘With John’s baptism.’ Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance; but he insisted that the people should believe in the one who was to come after him – namely Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the moment Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came down on them, and they began to speak with tongues and to prophesy.” (Acts 19: 1 – 17)

Today we might smile to learn that some early disciples of Jesus did not know that “there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit.” Yet, many years ago in the midst of my desert experience, when I received the message that “all that I need is the Holy Spirit.” I wondered: “What is the relevance of the Holy Spirit to my pressing problems of unemployment, money, health and a host of other problem?” Because I considered the messenger trustworthy, I did not discard the message. I did the Novena to the Holy Spirit before Pentecost of that year and on the final day of the Novena, following the instruction in the booklet I was using, knelt down and pleaded with all my heart for the Holy Spirit. When I got up, I was filled with a serene joy. My joy in the Holy Spirit continued to grow throughout the years. Then one day about three years ago, I discovered this amazing truth from the Roman Missal: “God is the source of all inspiration and power.” This is it for me. The search has ended! The Holy Spirit is all that I need. It is true! He is the source of all inspiration and power.

My Good Shepherd

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Besides restful waters he leads me;
He refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23: 1-3)

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, I reflect what it means to me when I say that Jesus is my Good Shepherd. I remember many years ago when I first took spiritual notice of this Psalm. What struck me immediately was the phrase: “I shall not want.” It was probably the lowest period of my life when I seemed to experience every type of want. It was also the beginning of my conversion experience. I was also beginning to gain the insight that the word of God is true and trustworthy. Starting with God’s word and not my actual experience I tried to understand the meaning of the words. I argued that if God says that He is my Good Shepherd, therefore I have everything I need, this means that I have here and now everything I need. I turned this proposition in my mind for some time and then began to list every type of need that I experienced at that time, namely:

Health
Money
Job
Peace
Food
Tools
It was impossible on the surface to say that I had everything that I needed. I must have been aided by grace at the time because dissecting the above needs one by one, I saw clearly that I was adequate in everything. The configuration of each supply was in accordance with my real need of the time. When I saw the light, I thanked God for it. What is the key to my insight? I started with God’s word and not my needs. I believed prior to reflecting on God’s word that His word is true and trustworthy. I was reading God’s love letter to me. He says to me right here and right now: “I am your Good Shepherd, you shall not want.” Do I believe Him or not?

Over the years since that initial reflection, in periods of dire necessities, I return to Psalm 23 and repeat the reflection that gave me the light. I have also been exposed to other insights on “I shall not want.” In one period of great need, a friend in Australia wrote to me as follows:

“Don’t you have a roof over your head tonight? Do you not have food on the table tonight?”

This helped me to realize that all that I truly need here and now is what I truly have here and now. Jesus puts it in these memorable words:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.

Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” (Matthew 6: 33-34)

Jesus Christ is indeed the Good Shepherd.

Inspiration and Power

"26 Then the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, "Get up and head south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the desert route." 27 So he got up and set out. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, 8 that is, the queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and was returning home. Seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go and join up with that chariot."
39 When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip came to Azotus, and went about proclaiming the good news to all the towns until he reached Caesarea. " (Acts 8: 26-29, 39-40)

When I read the above scripture this morning, I said to myself: “When I pray for inspiration and power every day, this is exactly what I want. I want the Holy Spirit to inspire me what to do or what to say and give me the power to do it. I want to completely surrender to the Holy Spirit so that He will lead me, guide me and use me as He sees fit.”

How can I make this happen? I can’t. God has taken note of my desire. He planted the desire Himself. All that I can do is to wait. (122108)

Can you imagine what it would mean to be completely under the control of the Holy Spirit? Think about this:

99% of the resources in my computer are not used.
99% of the books in my library have not been used.
99% of the DVD/CD in my library has not been exploited.
I don’t even know all that I possess today. Only one Person knows – the Holy Spirit. What would happen if He chooses to lead and guide me to use only 5% of the resources at my disposal today? I would set the world on fire!

I have learned a secret

The first item on my list this morning is the Study of Psalms. Last week, I did a word study of REFUGE. Today, I was led to Philippians 4: 12 - 13:

"I know how to be brought low, and know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." ( Philippians 4: 12 - 13)

When I read this, I knew this is the scripture I had been looking for in my present dire circumstances which I describe as:

No jobs
No money
No inspiration
No power

I had seen hard times but nothing like the present one. In searching for commentaries on Philippians 4: 12 - 13, I came to realize how many good books I have in my library. I invested a good deal in good bible and theology books when I had the financial opportunity and today, this investment is paying off.

I learned one big lesson from Philippians 4: 12 - 13:

Jesus Christ is the secret.

Relying completely on Jesus Christ in any crisis is the secret of success.

Jesus Christ is the Refuge. He is the Rock and the Fortress.

How do I use the above truth in the type of crisis that I am facing at the moment?

I hide inside Jesus Christ till the storm passes.
I hide in Him through prayer.
I hide in Him through His word.
I hide in Him through the Eucharist.
I hide in Him in faith. I reject fear. I reject worry. I reject doubt.

After an hour of this study and reflection, I was refreshed and strong to face the day.

Spirit and Faith in Jesus

“I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came on us at the beginning, and I remembered that the Lord had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ I realized then that God was giving them the identical gift he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; and who was I to stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11: 15-17)

“What can we do to accomplish the work of God?” The people asked Jesus in John 6: 28. We can ask Jesus: “What can we do to receive the Holy Spirit?” In the above scripture (Acts 11: 15-17) , we read the testimony of Peter to his fellow disciples: We received the Holy Spirit when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a key and sine qua non condition. We can also add intense desire and prayer. When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, when we desire with intensity this gift of the Father, when we ask for it with faith, it shall be given to us.

Joseph and Fr. John

"19 As soon as the master heard his wife's story about how his slave had treated her, he became enraged. He seized Joseph and threw him into the jail where the royal prisoners were confined. But even while he was in prison, the LORD remained with Joseph; he showed him kindness by making the chief jailer well-disposed toward him." Genesis 39: 19 - 21

While praying for Fr. Corapi, I saw a parallel of his situation with Joseph in Genesis. Below is a short piece from the narrative:

God in His loving providence allowed the pure and innocent Joseph to be falsely accused by a womanof attempted rapeand then sent to maximum security prison with hard labor for years. This is very instructive when considering the case of Fr. John Corapi. I believe it is entirely possible and consistent with God's ways of acting to allow Fr. John Corapi's faith to be tried in the manner it is being tried today. What Fr. Corapi’s followersneed to do is to pray for himwith complete trust in God and have no anxiety at all. This also reminds me of the passage in St. Paul where he wrote about spiritual warfare in his letter to the Ephesians: Those of us who are familiar with Fr. John Corapi’s teaching know that he taught a lot about spiritual warfare.

"10 1 Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. 11 Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 13 Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. 14 So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, 15 and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones " Ephesians 6: 10 - 18)

Sent by the Lord Jesus

“Brother Saul, I have been sent by the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, so that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9: 17)

The Lord Jesus sends me to bring you the peace of Easter.
The Lord Jesus sends me to bring you words of comfort.
The Lord Jesus sends me to bring you words of encouragement.
The Lord Jesus sends me to bring you the consolation of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus sends me to bring you BREAKFAST.

Baptism and Confirmation

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, and they went down there and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit, for as yet he had not come down on any of them: they had only been baptized in the name of Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8: 14 – 17)
In Acts of the Apostles, Luke the writer documents for us the faith and the practice of the early Christian community. The above scripture shows that the early Christians considered Baptism a distinct sacrament from Confirmation. The Samaritans were first baptized. Then the Church in Jerusalem sent Peter and John, bishops to confirm the people. The Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and other New Testament passages show clearly the centrality of Baptism, Confirmation and the Sacraments in the faith and practice of the early Church. Today, only the faith of the Catholic tradition maintains this teaching of the early Church.

Bloom where you are planted

“It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom, to whom we can hand over this duty.” (Acts 6: 2 3)
Bloom where you are planted.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify your ministry. Then be who you are meant to be and you will set the world on fire. (St. Catherine of Siena) Peter and his fellow apostles were focused on the mission given them by Jesus. They were not denigrating the ministry of distribution of food to the poor. That ministry was marked out for some other people. As a result of the situation described in the above scripture, the Church has today the office of the permanent diaconate. The permanent deacons are resourceful men committed to the service of the Church.

Deliverance from Slavery

“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1: 2-3)
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1: 6-7)

Manny called me at about 8.30 pm and we talked for about 40 minutes. He told me that this week had been one of the most stressful experienced in recent times. I told him that after Easter every year going back to at least twelve years, I had always experienced great trials. This year is no exception. And this week was one of my most stressful week in the entire year. With money very low, without jobs and without inspiration and with plenty of customer harassment, I had a lot to deal with.

In May 1995, I got this incredible elocution from the Blessed Mother:
"All you need is the Holy Spirit."

I remember that at the time, I was surprised by this message. Why? Because I was praying desperately for money, for job and for health. What is the connection of the Holy Spirit to my dire needs of the moment? But I was curious enough to investigate. As I started reading up on the Holy Spirit using the books in my library, I saw clearly that the Holy Spirit is the answer to my longings and quest for success. In one word, I saw that the Holy Spirit will fulfill the longings/desires of my heart. That is all that I want and need.

That message from Mary had remained with me all these years. But at periods of dire financial needs as I feel this moment, I wondered if I needed something more than the Holy Spirit to help me. For example, skills in making money, skills at a marketable functions, more endearing personality, more robust health, etc.

All these futile speculations were put to rest early this morning when I remembered that Our Lady gave me the message in the most needy time of my entire life. I had discovered since then the reason why Our Blessed Mother said to me: "All you need is the Holy Spirit." The reason is simply because the Holy Spirit is the source of all inspiration and power. I see this in my life every day. I delight in His inspirations. I delight in His power. I know that with Him all things are possible.

Now why do I still feel affected by worries, fears and doubts?

O Jesus, your name says what it is and does what it says. Deliver me O dear Lord from the slavery of fears, worries and doubts. I ask for this in that Name that means Salvation. Amen.

Lying to the Holy Spirit

“Peter said, ‘Ananias, how can Satan have so possessed you that you should lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land?”
Is lying to the Church the same thing as lying to the Holy Spirit? This is what Peter is saying in the above scripture. Listen to another scripture:
“Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10: 16)
Another scripture with a similar meaning is this:
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9: 4-5)
The three scriptures refer to one thing: the Mystical Body of Christ. Paul wrote that the union of Jesus with His Church is one big mystery.

Proclaiming the word of God fearlessly

“As they prayed, the house where they were assembled rocked. From this time they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the word of God fearlessly.” (Acts 4: 13)
O Most Holy Spirit, you respond to our desire for you by filling us with yourself and your gifts. Come to us and bless us with great courage to share the word of God everywhere. Amen!

Easter Faith

“You must repent,’ Peter answered, ‘and every one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2: 38)
To receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, repentance comes first. The Holy Spirit of God will not inhabit a soul that is stained with sin. After repentance comes Baptism. Baptism washes away our sins and makes us the adopted children of God and brethren of Jesus Christ. We died with Christ in Baptism. At Easter we proclaim our faith in the resurrection of Jesus.
May the Risen Jesus fill your hearts and minds with the simple and gracious joys of Easter!
Consider this for a moment:
Through faith, we gain direct and immediate access to the promise of God’s
1. Pardon
2. Peace
3. Purpose
4. Power
5. Protection
6. Provision
You can call the above the 6 P’s of God’s promise.
This is the power of Christ’s Resurrection for each and every believer.

The King and His Kingdom

“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed them in a loud voice…..On the contrary, this is what the prophet was saying: In the Last days – the Lord declares – I shall pour out my Spirit on all humanity. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young people shall see visions, your old people dream dreams….” ( Acts 2: 14 – 21)
We see in the above scripture the prophecy and fulfillment of one of the most important prophecies in the Old Testament. I am currently reading The Teachings of the Church Fathers, by John Willis, SJ. I am surprised to see how the Church Fathers used prophecy and fulfillment in defending the person and work of Jesus Christ as Son of God and Son of Mary. God promised humanity the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in various passages in the Old Testament. He delivered on this promise in a mighty way on the day of Pentecost.
In the scriptures, the Spirit is known by many names: Spirit of power, Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, spirit of prophecy and so on. I like to refer to the Holy Spirit as Spirit of ministry. It is only through the Spirit that we can use our gifts in the service of God. Using our gifts in the service of God is exercising our ministry. Recently I witnessed the enlargement of my ministry. For a number of years, I exercised the ministry of lector and catechist. It pleased the Lord to enlarge my field by adding recently Sanctuary service to my ministry. Sanctuary service is a ministry I exercised before I was ten years old. At various times and places, I had been called upon to exercise Sanctuary service. That the call should come to me again at this point in my life is both mysterious and fulfilling. I can only thank God for His mercies.
The Spirit’s power in our live can be compared to electricity. We see the various effects of electricity but not electricity itself. Electricity is designed to be used not touched or seen. The Holy Spirit provides me with power to accomplish my ministry in the great program called the Kingdom of God. Kingdom (Basileia in Greek) means rule or authority. Where the King is, there is His kingdom. The King is Jesus Christ. When we pray to the Father “thy kingdom come,” we mean the establishment of the rule and authority of King Jesus at all times and everywhere. If this rule and authority of Jesus Christ is established fully in my heart and mind, then I can help through my ministry to bring it about in the hearts and minds of people whom the Lord places on my path.

Power to express themselves....

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak different languages as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.” (Acts 2: 4)
• Filled with the Holy Spirit
• Spirit and power
• Spirit and tongues
• Spirit and gifts
The disciples in the Upper Room were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to manifest at once. They had prepared themselves with prayer. They were expecting. The visible signs of the outpouring of the Spirit made them realize that this is indeed the hour of the promised Gift.
I affirm that God is a good communicator. It is impossible to miss His message or signal. On 122108, I asked the Father a point blank question. The desire to serve Jesus in a special way that has been with me for over twelve years, should I forget about it or is there something to it? The answer came in one word: WAIT. Fast forward. 0311, I entered the Sanctuary service. I asked the Lord to anoint me mightily with power to express myself in this new ministry. I nalso asked the question: Is this the Father’s answer to my question of 1208? If it is, I am very happy with this. My whole life has pointed to Sanctuary service right from the age of seven. Many years ago, I took notice of men who served in the Sanctuary and I liked what they did. The only problem was that they were all retired. I said to myself that when I am retired I too would like to serve the Lord in the Sanctuary for the rest of my life. Is this the moment?

Power to bear witness

“It is not for you to know times and dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1: 7-7)
“I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last.” (John 15: 16, 19)
“I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!” (Psalm 17: 50:; 21: 23)

Wait for what the Father had promised

“When he had been at table with them, he had told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for what the Father had promised. ‘It is,’ he had said, ‘what you have heard me speak about: John baptized with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1: 4-5)
What was the apostles to wait for? - The Holy Spirit
Where were they to wait? – Jerusalem
How long were they to wait? – “Not many days from now.” That is to say, “ten days.”
How were they to wait? – In prayer.

The above scripture, Acts 1: 4-5 is full of types and shadows. About the time I confided the reflection on this passage to my journal in January 1998, a friend I met in a Houston area library said to me: “We are all waiting for something.” The statement struck me to be very true. Some are waiting to be healed from the sickness, while others are waiting to see a doctor to start receiving their treatment. Some are waiting to get a job. Others are waiting to proceed to retirement. There are people waiting to get married. There are others waiting to end their marriage and get on with their lives.
Jesus Christ talks about a special waiting in Acts 1: 4-5. It is a waiting for a very special gift, God’s best and greatest gift to man. The promise of the Holy Spirit long foretold in the Old Testament and immediately by Jesus is about to be fulfilled. Whenever we receive a special guest, we prepare for him carefully. The house is cleaned and everything is set right. The disciples of Jesus were instructed to stay in Jerusalem and precisely in the Upper Room to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They were to be closeted in retreat with the Blessed Virgin Mary to wait for this historic and momentous event.

Forgiving and retaining sins

“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.” (John 20: 22-23)
The Church teaches that by the above instruction, Jesus Christ instituted once and for all times the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called, the Sacrament of Penance, Sacrament of Confession. Since I returned fully to the practice of my faith, this Sacrament has become a powerful weapon in my arsenal. St. Paul instructs us in Ephesians 6 to put on the “full armor.” My armory is made up of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Eucharist, Prayer, the word of God and a few others.
Today, at the Dominican Church in downtown, I had course to thank Jesus Christ once again for this Sacrament. The pattern I established many years ago for using this Sacrament has been very helpful to me. I do not wait until “something happens” to take recourse of this Sacrament. I try to go once in two weeks and I have found this routine best for me. Weekly seems too short and monthly appears too long to remember everything that should be mentioned.

Complete Truth

“I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you to bear now. However, when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking of his own accord, but will say only what he has been told; and he will reveal to you the things to come.” (John 16: 12 – 13)
Jesus Christ promised His Church that the Holy Spirit will lead her to the fullness of truth. With complete assurance in this promise, the Church has throughout the ages prayerfully reflected on the words of Jesus and the experience of living out this word. Eternal truths have been perceived with clarity and added to the body of doctrines. Dogma or the certitude of doctrine is part and parcel of the Catholic heritage. Truth never changes.
The Blessed John Henry Newman writes: “Certitude of course is a point, but doubt is a progress. Certitude is a reflex action; it is to know that one knows.” The Holy Spirit helps the Church to come to certitude of doctrine by which the faith of the Church is constantly nourished. Jesus said that it is impossible to enter the kingdom of God unless one has the mind frame of a child. A child perceives truth by intuition.

He will remind you

“I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.” (John 14: 26)
Last Sunday after Mass, I stopped to talk to a friend whom I know shares the same enthusiasm about the Holy Spirit as myself. I beam with joy when I hear him attribute everything to the Holy Spirit. I feel the same way as himself. I rely completely on the Holy Spirit for inspiration and power. Without Him, I don’t even want to start any project. I marvel constantly at His suggestions and ideas. “Try this.” Or “Put it this way.” Each time, it is a winning proposition.
What I appreciate most about the Holy Spirit is what he does to my memory. He reminds me constantly what Jesus has said to me and equally important, the marvelous things Jesus has done for me. Thank you O Holy Spirit.

The Paraclete

“If you love me you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth whom the world can never accept since it neither sees nor knows him; but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you.” (John 14: 14-17)
Loving Jesus and keeping His commandments is one and the same thing. He who claims to love Jesus and at the same time breaks constantly one or the other of the commandments is a liar. When we know Jesus and love Him, we open our hearts to the greatest gift – the Spirit of truth. He is called the Spirit of truth here to show His opposition to the spirit of falsehood that rules the world. The Holy Spirit in us assures our victory over the world. With the Holy Spirit in us, we fear nothing. He is the voice that speaks in court. He tells us what to say and do in critical moments of our life. Calling on him makes a difference in every single situation.
Send forth your Spirit O Lord!!

Thirsty for the Spirit

“On the last day, the great day of the festival, Jesus stood and cried out: ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me! Let anyone who believes in me come and drink! As scripture says, ‘From his heart shall flow streams of living water.’ He was speaking of the Spirit which those who believed in him were to receive; for there was no Spirit as yet because Jesus had not yet been glorified.” (John 7: 37 – 39)
Lord Jesus, I am thirsty for the Spirit. Here I am. Let this stream of living water flow from my heart to wherever I may find myself: in the Church, my neighborhood, in my workplace. Everywhere I go, let me irrigate the place with this stream of living water. I believe in you Jesus. I trust in your word.

The Spirit and Pope John Paul II

“It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6: 63)
On January 26, 1998, I confided to my journal the following reflection:
“Pope John Paul II concluded a historic visit to Cuba yesterday. Most news commentators stressed his age and his feeble health. As I watched him on the television, I could see that his hands were trembling and that his flesh was indeed weak. But only a blind man could miss the fact that his spirit is very strong.
On the 1st of May, 2011, Pope John Paul II will be beatified a Blessed, one step towards full canonization. The world would watch in awe as it did during his funeral Mass. One can argue that 80% of his magnificent achievement was recording in the years of declining health and feebleness of the flesh. For those who follow salvation history, this is not a great mystery. “It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer.” God has always used weak flesh to achieve great things. Think of Mother Teresa!

Worship in spirit and truth

“God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4: 24)
With the above scripture, Jesus revealed to the Samaritan woman the new form of worship that is pleasing to God. It will be worship rendered to God by His children who accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives and have been baptized by water and the Holy Spirit. Such worshipers are led to true worship by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
“Eternal Father, turn our hearts to you. By seeking your kingdom and loving one another, may we become a people who worship you in spirit and truth …” Mass Prayer in Lent

Born through water and the Spirit

“In all truth I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born through water and the Spirit. What is born of human nature is human; what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised when I say: You must be born from above. The wind blows where it pleases; you can hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is of everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3: 5-8)
We are born of water and the Spirit when we are baptized and confirmed in the Spirit. This is the first necessary step. When we allow the indwelling Spirit to control our thoughts, words and deeds, we come to taste and see that the Lord is good. The indwelling Spirit is a most welcomed Guest in our soul. He provides us with inspiration and power. I experience His constant guidance in my work of graphic design. Frankly I do not know what I would do without Him. He is the always present and infallible Guide. When I call, He answers. Thank you O Most Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is my prosperity

"Blessed is the man who delights in the law of the Lord.......Whatever he does, he prospers." (Psalm 1)

When I read the above again this morning, I asked myself the point blank question: Do I feel prosperity in whatever I do? By the way, what is prosperity? The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines prosperity as "the condition of being successful or thriving ; esp.: economic well-being." In other words, prosperity and success are one and the same thing. God's word which is true tells us that Jesus Christ is our peace, that is, our shalom. Shalom is the sum total of prosperity and success. I now see clearly that Jesus Christ is my prosperity, my security, my stability and my success. Not in the way the world calculates but in the way the word of God teaches.
• My own peace I give to you.
• Seek for genuine riches.
Gather treasures that last.

The testimony of John the Baptist

“And John declared, ‘I saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven and rest on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptize with water had said to me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the One who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit. I have seen and I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” (John 1: 32 – 34)
This is John’s testimony. What is mine?
“I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last.” (John 15: 16, 19)
“I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia.” (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

Keep on asking

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for…….. You fathers – if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead?.....If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Luke 11: 9-13) – New Living Translation
On how to pray, Jesus tells us above to ask and keep on asking. How do we know when to stop asking since we know from experience that not every request is granted? It is easy to know when to stop, when we are completely detached as to the outcome of our desire. This is not something that is easy to do for most of us. When you believe that you know more than God what you need, it becomes impossible to let Him decide when to grant the desire, how to grant the longing and if to grant the desire at all. The cardinal rule of effective prayer is to align our desires to the mind of God. If we do this, we become totally detached as to the outcome of our desire. When we become truly children, God become a Father to us.
We stop asking for the object when the desire for that object is taken away from you. When we rest in the arms of God like a weaned child in its mother’s arms, God knows the perfect time to take away that toy that we cling to so jealously.

Anointing Produces Abundant Harvest

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” (Luke 4: 18)
The Spirit of the Lord anointed Jesus to:
• Proclaim Good News to the poor
• Proclaim liberty to captives
• Make the blind see
• Free the downtrodden from the grasp of their oppressors
Where the Spirit of the Lord anoints, there is abundant harvest.

Familiarity breeds contempt

“John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am – so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3: 16)
John the Baptizer who was praised by Jesus as the greatest man born of woman says here: Jesus is “so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave.” If John is not worthy to be the slave of Jesus, how about us? When I watch how people behave inside the Church where we believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Tabernacle, I wonder if the behavior is caused by lack of faith or by too much familiarity with Jesus, the type of familiarity that breeds contempt.
Lord, give us a deep awareness of your presence in the Blessed Sacrament and in the Eucharist and a corresponding reverence for Your Majesty.

Lenten Temptation

"1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted for forty days and forty nights, 2 and afterwards he was hungry. 3 The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." 4 He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, 6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" 8 Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, 9 and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." 10 At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" 11 Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him."
A few weeks ago, I prayed to the Father: "Grant me financial security and stability." I was unsatisfied with the frequent ups and downs in my financial fortune. The prayer was provoked by the financial charge I pay on my bank credit card, which I use as working capital. My debt hovers around $1000 every billing cycle. It bothers me. Work as hard as I can, I cannot reduce it or eliminate it. So I bargained with the Father. If you wipe out this debt and grant me financial prosperity and stability, I would invest the saved financial charge in your work. I believe that the Father heard my prayer. It has now been weeks since I made that prayer and repeated it from time to time. Nothing has happened but I feel peaceful about my finances.
The theme of today’s Sunday Mass is based on the both the first reading on the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis and the Temptation of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. The question to me arising from the readings and the sermon is point blank: What is your temptation in Lent 2011? I realized that in asking God for financial prosperity and stability, I was asking the Father to provide me with ffinancial security. From here, it was easy to see that my temptation is to be financially secure. It was a rude awakening. The devil tempted Jesus in the desert at a point of his weakness. “Have something to eat lest you die of hunger.” Very hungry as Jesus was, He rejected the Easy Way and chose to trust His Father’s Way.
As I reflected on this light, I asked myself: "Is Jesus no longer my security?" If Jesus is already my security, why do I have to badger the Father to grant me financial security. Is the devil tempting me to seek for security in a way other than how He, the Father has chosen to provide it to me? I cautioned myself. Watch out!

Spirit and wilderness

“John grew up and became strong in spirit. Then he lived out in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.” (Luke 1: 80)
Growing in the Spirit
Why did John chose the wilderness as the place of his spiritual formation? The wilderness is the star university of the Holy Spirit. John followed the footsteps of the prophets who used the isolation of the uninhabited wilderness to listen to God and find their prophetic voice. The wilderness apart from being a place of isolation is also a place of tests and spiritual warfare. We recall the forty days of Jesus in the wilderness when He was tested by Satan. The wilderness separated John from the economic and political powers of the day. His message to them was pointed and sharp as a result. He also remained separate from the hypocritical religious leaders of his day.

The Holy Spirit will do it

“The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…….. For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1: 35 – 37)
“This is the word of Yahweh with regard to Zerubbabel, ‘Not by might and not by power, but by my Spirit – says Yahweh Sabaoth.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Spirit and power
The Holy Spirit will overshadow you and give you all that you need for the job. The Spirit is the source of inspiration and power. All you need is the Holy Spirit. The job will not be accomplished by your might and power but by the Holy Spirit.
What is your deepest driving desire here and now? For me, it is to be filled with the Holy Spirit who will drive me to my life’s purpose.
• As your desire is, so is your will.
• As your will is, so is your deed.
• As your deed is, so is your destiny.
And again:
• Sow a thought and you reap a deed.
• Sow a deed and you reap a habit.
• Sow a habit and you reap a character.
• Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
• Character is destiny.

Baptized in the Holy Spirit

“Someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am – so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1: 8)
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the source of personal transformation and power. What self-development literature calls the power of the subconscious as the agent of personal transformation is what Christian authors recognized from the New Testament as the power of the Holy Spirit in personal transformation. The Holy Spirit is the immanent reality within us that expands our potential in everything. How to tap fully into this power is the biggest secret in the world. But it is as easy as ABC. It is as free as air. Yet the consequence is more powerful than TNT.
The Holy Spirit comes to the soul that desires Him with all his heart. Add prayer and a heart and soul that is free from unconfessed sin and you get the entire requirement that is needed.

Gathering with Christ

“Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not gather in with me throws away. And so I tell you, every human sin and blasphemy will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And anyone who says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but no one who speaks against the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit will be forgiven either in this world or in the next.” (Matthew 12: 30 – 32)
There seems to be two positions in Christianity:
• Gathering with Christ
• Throwing away the harvest
There is no middle course. You gather with Christ, when you dwell in Him and allow Him to dwell in you. This is Jesus’ own condition for bearing much fruit. He says:
“I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last.” (John 15: 16, 19)
Our answer should be:
“I will bear witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers.” (Psalm 17: 50; 21:23)

The Voice that speaks in court

"17 But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. 20 For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
One of my own favorite titles for the Holy Spirit is The Voice that speaks in court. I have experienced the help of the Holy Spirit again and again in my life in circumstances that resemble court. I have come to trust Him to inspire in such situations. Now that I know that He helps us in very tight situations, I do not leave things to chance. If I anticipate a sticky situation, I ask my Friend, The Voice that speaks in court to help me. He never fails.

Manifestations of the Holy Spirit

“This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1: 18)
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3: 11)
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the desert to be put to the test by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)
We see from the above scriptures the different manifestations of the same Holy Spirit. He is one and the same:
• Spirit of life
• Spirit of power
• Spirit of Jesus
• Spirit of fire
• Spirit of guidance
Jesus instructed His disciples after His resurrection to “tarry in Jerusalem” until the descent of the Helper. Why tarry? They tarried to pray and prepare spiritually for receiving the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would give them wisdom, guidance and power to bear effective witness to Jesus, beginning in Jerusalem, then in ever-widening circles.

Not by might and power

“This is the word of Yahweh with regard to Zerubbabel, ‘Not by might and not by power, but by my Spirit – says Yahweh Sabaoth.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Spirit and power
The Holy Spirit will overshadow you and give you all that you need for the job. The Spirit is the source of inspiration and power. All you need is the Holy Spirit. The job will not be accomplished by your might and power but by the Holy Spirit.
What is your deepest driving desire here and now? For me, it is to be filled with the Holy Spirit who will drive me to my life’s purpose.
• As your desire is, so is your will.
• As your will is, so is your deed.
• As your deed is, so is your destiny.
And again:
• Sow a thought and you reap a deed.
• Sow a deed and you reap a habit.
• Sow a habit and you reap a character.
• Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
• Character is destiny.

I shall pour out my Spirit on all humanity

“After this I shall pour out my Spirit on all humanity. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy; your old people shall dream dreams, and your young people see visions. Even on the slaves, men and women, shall I pour out my Spirit in those days. I shall show portents in the sky and on earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.” (Joel 3: 1-3)
This promise was fulfilled with great fanfare and solemnity on Pentecost Day. It continues to be fulfilled everyday as men and women express their desire to receive the Holy Spirit and pray for this gift. God promised to grant His friendly and generous Spirit “here and now” as He granted the request of Solomon for wisdom. The best thing that can happen to anybody is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Yet as much as this gift is the highest gift God can give to man, it is the easiest to obtain. I call this the divine paradox. Yet, when we look throughout sacred scripture and human experience, we find that the best things in life are often free or very affordable.
Recently I got my first Smartphone, an amazingly great technology and in my view the best of the microchip revolution. The Smartphone has many useful applications most of which are free. The number of high quality religious applications that are free surprises me. You can get a good number of various bible translations on the palm of your hand. It is God’s modus operandi to make available to men and women everywhere what they need for salvation. Nobody can say that he was unable to hear the Good News because of poverty. In this light, I can understand why the gift of the Holy Spirit is not only free but very easy to obtain. All that one need is desire and prayer in a soul that is free from unconfessed serious sin.

The Spirit in Daniel

“Daniel, renamed Balteshazzar after my own god, and in whom the spirit of the holy gods resides, then came into my presence. I told him my dream:
‘Balteshazzar, chief of magicians,’ I said, ‘I know that the spirit of the holy gods resides in you and that no mystery puts you at a loss. This is the dream I have had; tell me what it means.” (Daniel 4: 5-6)
It seems that everybody in Babylon knew that the Spirit resides in Daniel. Even King Nebuchadnezzar was aware of it. How did they know, I have often wondered?
Daniel even in exile lived like a servant of God. He said his prayers at the stipulated times and did all the devotions he was required to make. Conditions of exile could have been enough reason to skip some of his religious practices, but Daniel did not fall for such cheap bait. He was faithful. He was a worshiper of the true God in spirit and in truth. A tiger does not go about shouting his tigritude. He walks about naturally and people know. When one is filled with the Holy Spirit, people also know. They know from the demonstrations of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in his life. Daniel was a type of Jesus.

Man does not live on bread alone

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4: 4)
The retreat director asked the retreatants to share some of the blessings in their lives in 2010. The retreat was held at The Holy Name Retreat Center in January 2010. I raised my hand and said: “2010 was probably the most difficult year in my business. I made about 40% less that I normally make. Yet, the Lord chose this year to wipe out my debts and gave me a new car and a new computer. He did this to show me that “Man does not live on bread alone. There is live for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God.” I was surprised to hear myself add Matthew 4:4 to my testimony of God’s blessings in 2010.
Ever since that retreat day, my mind has come back to Matthew 4:4 wondering what exactly this scripture means for me. I got the answer today:
Only God knows the deepest needs of the human heart. Only God knows best how to fulfill those needs. In 2010, God knows my deepest needs. He is always able to and willing to meet our needs. He met mine at His own time and in His own Way. The experience boosted my faith enormously.

Spirit and desire

“For I shall pour out water on thirsty soil and streams on the ground. I shall pour out my spirit on your descendants, my blessing on your offspring and they will spring up among the grass, like willows on the banks of a stream.” (Isaiah 44: 3-4)

Condition for receiving the Holy Spirit: thirsty soil
Fruit of receiving the Holy Spirit: “Spring up among the grass, like willows on the banks of a stream.”
How much do you desire the Holy Spirit?
“Being filled with the Holy Spirit” : If you have great desire for the Holy Spirit, frequent the source as the fisherman stays close to the bank of a river. The source for the Holy Spirit is the word of God and prayer mixed with great desire. When you are in the source, like the fisherman, fish and keep fishing until you get all you want. This analogy is inspired from the book of Napoleon Hill, “Think and Grow Rich.”
Great things in life start from great desire. St. Ignatius Loyola says that desire transforms a man. Therefore great desire for the Holy Spirit will translate to the condition of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
A daily consecration to the Holy Spirit:
• You are my light and my guide, my strength and the sole desire of my heart.
• I desire to be ever docile to your inspirations.
On 012398, I jotted the following in my journal from the book of Deepak Chopra, “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.” –
• You are what your deep driving desire is.
• As your desire is, so is your will.
• As your will is, so is your deed.
• As your deed is, so is your destiny.
Desire transforms a man. The Holy Spirit uses desires to transform us. The transformation is brought about by the two qualities inherent in consciousness: Attention and Intention.
• Attention energies
• Intention transforms
Whatever you put your attention on will grow stronger in your life. (Principle of critical mass) Whatever you take your attention away from will wither, disintegrate and disappear. Intention, on the other hand, triggers the transformation of energy and information. Intention organizes its own fulfillment.
The quality of intention on the object of attention is critical to the speed and depth of transformation.
• Intention = desire
• Attention = focus
What is remarkable about the mind of man is that it can command this infinite organizing power through conscious desire.
Great desire lays the ground work for the effortless, spontaneous, frictionless flow of pure potentiality seeking expression from the unmanifest to the manifest.
Intention is the real power behind desire. Intent alone is very powerful, because intent is desire without attachment to the outcome. Desire alone is weak, because desire in most people is attention with attachment. Intent is desire with strict adherence to all the other laws of success but particularly the law of detachment.
Intention combined with detachment leads to life-centered, present-moment awareness. And when action is performed in present moment awareness, it most effective.
Your intent is for the future, but your attention is in the present. As long as your attention is in the present, then your intent for the future will manifest, because the future is created in the present. You must accept the present and intend the future. The future is something you can create through detached intention, but you should never struggle against the present.
Intention, grounded in this detached freedom of the present, serves as the catalyst for the right mix of matter, energy, and space-time events to create whatever it is that you desire.

The Holy Spirit and fruitfulness

“…Until the Spirit is poured out on us from above, and the desert becomes a productive ground, so productive you might take it for a forest.” (Isaiah 32: 15)

Before our intimate encounter with the Holy Spirit of God, we labor under the energy of the flesh. Even our so-called productivity may be tainted in advancing the fruitless works of darkness. The Holy Spirit enables us to see the world and things of God in a new light. The difference is between light and darkness. Any business that does not control to the growth of God’s kingdom is futile, like a wasteland. Isaiah 32: 15 shows us the before and after effects of the presence of the Holy Spirit. The difference is similar to that between a wasteland and an orchard. The Holy Spirit of God makes us very productive in our assignments.

Plans and Alliances

“Woe to the rebellious children – declares Yahweh – who make plans which do not come from me and make alliances not inspired from me, and so add sin to sin.” (Isaiah 30: 1)
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He Himself will inspire our plans and alliances.
“Commit your ways to the Lord, trust in him and he will act.” (Psalm 37: 5)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In everything you do, acknowledge him and he will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3: 5)
“Make known to me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25: 4)
“Good and upright is the Lord, who shows sinners the way, guides the humble rightly, and teaches the humble the way.” (Psalm 25: 8-9)

God's Generous Spirit

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your generous Spirit lead me on an even ground.” (Psalm 143: 10)
The above scripture expresses a prayer which should always be on the heart of everybody.
• Teach me to do your will
• May your generous Spirit lead me on an even ground
Our peace and prosperity lie in the will of God. When we know this will and obey it, we have nothing to fear or worry about in life. We cannot know the will of God unless the Holy Spirit abides in us and reveals this will to us. The Holy Spirit is addressed in this scripture as God’s generous Spirit. He is lavish in His gifts. He reveals God’s will to us. He enables us to do this will.
What is the proof that God’s generous Spirit is in control of your life? Do you experience the following in your day-t0-day life?
• Light and guidance
• Peace and tranquility
• Joy and consolation
• Love for Jesus in the Eucharist
• Yearning to read, hear, study the word of God?

Be content with what you have

“Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never forsake you or abandon you. Thus we may say with confidence: The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” (Hebrews 13: 5-6)
“Let your life be free from the love of money...” What constitutes my life? They are: my desires, my thoughts, my words and my actions. If we have inordinate desire for money, it will tend to dominate our thoughts, words and deeds.
Apart from being free from love of money, God commands us to “be content with we have.” You may ask “What if I have little?” It does not matter. Be content with the little. The rationale for such a radical prescription is that God has promised: “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” Does God have the power and the will to back such a great promise? I know that God is all powerful, all-loving and generous. God is able and God is willing. Knowing all the above, we can say with certainty and confidence: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid.” The best reasons for not being afraid in the ups and downs of my finances are:
• God Himself is my helper.
• God is able and willing to help me.
St. Augustine tells us to examine our beliefs every morning as a person looks at her face in the mirror and ask ourselves:
Do we truly believe what we profess? If the answer is YES, we can rejoice and claim our promises. God is always faithful and true.

Fleeing God

“Where shall I go to escape your Spirit? Where shall I flee from your presence? If I scale the heavens you are there, if I lie flat in sheol, there you are.” (Psalm 139:7-8)
Why would anybody want to flee from God’s presence? The psalmist knows of course that God is everywhere. So it is pointless trying to flee from Him. The above scripture points to the futility of such an effort.
St. Theresa Avila wrote the following while reflecting on the omnipresence of God:
“You know already that God is everywhere. He is where the king is, in what they call the royal court. Heaven is wherever God is. You can believe without any doubt that wherever his majesty is, there is all his glory. Look and see what St. Augustine says, who looked for him in many places and found him within himself. It is no small thing that one who is given to know this truth would see that he has no need to go to heaven to talk to his Father God, to speak with him; that he has no need to raise his voice to converse with him. Wherever you speak, he will be close enough to hear. You do not need wings to go in search of him, you only need to be on your own and to find him within yourself; try not to make a stranger of so good a guest; with great humility, speak to him as you would to your father, petition him as you would your father, tell him of all your doings, ask him for his help to do good, knowing that you are not worthy to be his child” (Way of Perfection)

A clean heart

“God create in me a clean heart, renew within me a resolute spirit. Do not thrust me away from your presence, do not take away from me your spirit of holiness.” (Psalm 51: 11)
The Holy Spirit is the principle of holiness. David had a very special relationship with the Holy Spirit. He understood clearly that the Spirit is the source of the inspiration and power that enabled him to accomplish so much. The first thing that threatens this cordial relationship with the Holy Spirit is sin. Sinfulness is the opposite of holiness. The Holy Spirit of God cannot stay in a soul soiled with sin. David knew that for him to lose the Holy Spirit because of sin would be to lose his resourcefulness in everything.

God is long-suffering

“You were patient with them for many years and warned them by your spirit through the prophets, but they would not listen; so you put them at the mercy of the people of the country.” (Nehemiah 9: 30)
God is long-suffering. I see many instances of this throughout the Bible. But long-suffering is not weakness. God is compassionate and loving. He gives maximum opportunity for one to come to his senses and turn to Him. When the fullness of time comes and the person is still obdurate, God strikes.

Suffering and God’s will

"Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful creator, while continuing to do good." ((1 Peter 4: 19)

Sometimes, it is God's will for us to suffer. The reason could be to share in the sufferings of Christ for our own salvation and that of the world. I have heard some radio and television evangelists proclaim that it is never God's will for us to suffer. This posture is a great disservice to the truth of the Bible.

How do we know that a particular suffering is God's will for us? The answer is simple. When we look for internal evidence from the Bible, we see two good examples:

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ was confronted with awful suffering. His human nature dreaded it. He prayed to God: If this is your will, save me from this suffering. But if it is not, then I am prepared to go through it. We know that it was God's will for Him to suffer the crucifixion.

St. Paul the Apostle was tormented by a painful suffering that he called 'a thorn in the flesh." Three times he prayed for healing. On the third occasion, he got an answer from Christ: "My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 2:9)

When we have prayed earnestly about a particular suffering and tried all we can legitimately to lift it but can't, we know that the suffering is from God. St. Peter advises us in 1 Peter 4: 19 that when this is the case to "entrust ourselves to a faithful creator." This means to surrender the situation entirely to God.

 

Watch and Pray

"For the time has come for judgment to begin with household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4: 17)

Judgment will begin with the household of God. Judgment will begin with the Church.

Testing may begin from the family. Be prepared. Trials, temptations and troubles will begin within the family, from within the Christian Churches. Be prepared. Be sober. Watch and pray.

Reviled for the name of Christ

"If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you." (1 Peter 4: 14)

Long-suffering is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Long-suffering, that is patience is the unmistakable sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit in a soul. Other fruits of the Holy Spirit are: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

While some of the fruits of the Holy Spirit can be counterfeited, long-suffering cannot be faked. Paul said that while signs and wonders follow the apostle, long-suffering is the unmistakable sign of the apostle.

O Holy Spirit, O Spirit of glory, grant me abundance of long-suffering.

Joys and sorrows in the life of Christ

"But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:13)

The sufferings of Christ constitute a type and shadow of Christian experience. There is simply a divine necessity that every Christian must share in these sufferings. Christ's life is the model for the life of every Christian. The life of Christ is made up of patterns of joy and sufferings. These patterns are types and shadows of our own joys and sufferings. The cross leads to the crown. The trial leads to joyful testimony. This is a spiritual imperative.

When we suffer with Christ, we can then shout with joy when His glory is revealed. No birth pang, no joy of nursing.

St Agnes whose feast is January 21^st suffered deprivation and martyrdom for the sake of Christ. Today she is enjoying her crown and glory in heaven. Her life is still remembered and celebrated throughout the world. Many churches and schools are named after her. The young girls who were her contemporaries who chose a different life style and lived worldly life enjoyed this dulce vita for maybe 80 years or less. Where are these girls today? What are their names? Who remembers them?

Fiery ordeal

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange is happening to you." (1 Peter 4: 12)

Sufferings of all types, whether delays, obstacles, disappointments, sickness, joblessness should not come as a surprise to Christians. Yet they do. Christians who are still eaglets and immature in the word of God have not come to perceive that every day is a day of battle for the Christian. The good thing about the battle is that if we persevere, the outcome is always victory.

The Spirit in the Old Testament

Below are some instances of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. The common denominator is that people are chosen, called and anointed for service in the community by the Holy Spirit.

"Moses went out and told the people what Yahweh had said. Then he collected seventy of the people's elders and stationed them round the Tent. Yahweh descended in the cloud. He spoke to him and took some of the spirit which is on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the spirit came on them they prophesied – but only once. (Numbers 11: 24 25)

"The Israelites wept for Moses on the plains of Moab for thirty days. The days of weeping for the mourning rites of Moses came to an end. Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him, and him the Israelites obeyed, carrying out the order which Yahweh had given to Moses." (Deuteronomy 34: 8-9)

"And the Spirit of Yahweh clothed Gideon around; he sounded the horn and Abiezer rallied behind him." (Judges 6: 34)

"The Spirit of Yahweh was on Jephthah, who crossed Gilead and Manasseh, crossed by way of Mizpah in Gilead, and from Mizpah in Gilead crossed into Ammonite territory." (Judges 11: 29)

"The Spirit of Yahweh will then seize on you, and you will go into ecstasy with them, and be changed into another man. When these signs have occurred, act as occasion serves, for God is with you." (1 Samuel 10: 6-8)

"From there, they came to Gibeah; and there was a group of prophets coming to meet him! The Spirit of God seized on him and he fell into ecstasy with them. Seeing him prophesying with the prophets, all the people who had known him previously said to one another…. Is Saul one of the prophets too?" (1 Samuel10: 10)

"Yahweh said, 'Get up and anoint him: he is the one!' At this, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him, surrounded by his brothers; and the spirit of Yahweh seized on David from that day onwards." (1 Samuel 16: 13)

"Now the Spirit of Yahweh had withdrawn from Saul, and an evil spirit of Yahweh afflicted him with terrors." (1 Samuel 16: 14)

"News was then brought to David, 'The Philistines are besieging Keilah and plundering the threshing floors.' David consulted Yahweh, ' Shall I go and fight these Philistines?' Yahweh replied to David, 'Go and fight the Philistines and save Keilah." (1 Samuel 23:2)

"The Spirit of Yahweh speaks through me, his word is on my tongue; the God of Jacob has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me…" (2 Samuel 23: 2)

 

 

 

 

The Holy Spirit the Master Craftsman

"Yahweh then spoke to Moses and said, 'Look, I have singled out Bezalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, knowledge and skill in every kind of craft…" (Exodus 31: 1-3)

• Spirit and wisdom
  
• Spirit and knowledge
  
• Spirit and skill
  

God chooses, God calls and God anoints.

Others who were called and anointed:

• Moses
  
• Joshua
  
• Gibeon
  
• Samson
  
• Samuel
  
• David
  

Each of the above is called to a different mission but the call and the anointing is from the same Spirit. Bezalel was endowed by the Spirit for the service of the community.

In my work of website and graphic designing, I depend entirely on the Holy Spirit. When I come upon an intractable problem, I lay down my tools and turn to the Holy Spirit in prayer. He has never failed me. The best job I have done is through the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit gives life

"It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." (John 6: 63)

• Spirit and life
  
• Spirit/flesh
  
• Spirit and the word
  

How does the Spirit give life? The Holy Spirit gives life to the word of God. He supplies the meaning and vitality in the word. He shows us how to apply the word in our life. He recalls the word to our mind when we need it most. Without the Spirit, the Bible would be literature. I need the Spirit to know the truth in the word of God.

In the Eucharist, the Spirit uses the word of Jesus at the last supper, which is known as the words of consecration to make ordinary bread and wine into the life-giving flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. The Spirit in deed gives life. The flesh has nothing to add.

Spirit of truth

"I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you to bear now.

However when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking of his own accord, but will say only what he has been told; and he will reveal to you the things to come." (John 16: 12-14)

• Spirit of truth
  
• Spirit and truth
  
• Spirit and revelation
  
• Spirit and memory
  

John 16: 12-14 is an incredible promise to a man whose purpose in life is to learn and share the truth. The Holy Spirit will be my teacher. He will teach me everything I need to know about Jesus.

How will the Spirit minister teaching to me? The word of God is the primary source. Apart from the word of God, the sacred liturgy of the Church especially the Eucharist is a key resource. I think it was St. Thomas Aquinas who said that he learned a great deal of his theology from the Mass. I feel the same way. The Holy Spirit will teach me everything that I need to know for my ministry in the Bible and the teachings of the Church about Jesus.

The Spirit will give me an insatiable appetite for truth and learning. I have great hunger to learn everything I can about Christ.

The Spirit will use selected books and biographies to teach me about Jesus. Below are some of my patron saints who have been taught about Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit:

• Augustine
  
• John Chrysostom
  
• Peter Canisius
  
• Louis de Monfort
  
• Josemaria
  
• Therese of Lisieux
  
• Stephen
  
• John Henry Newman
  

Spirit explores everything

"What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, what the mind of man cannot visualize; all that God has prepared for those who love him, to us though, God has given revelation through the Spirit, for the Spirit explores the depth of everything, even the depths of God. After all, is there anyone who knows the qualities of anyone except his own spirit, within him; and in the same way, nobody knows the qualities of God except the Spirit of God. Now, the Spirit we have received is not the spirit of the world but God's own Spirit, so that we may understand the lavish gifts God has given us. And these are what we speak of, not in terms learnt from human philosophy, but in terms learnt from the Spirit, fitting spiritual language to spiritual things. The natural man has no room for the gifts of God's Spirit; to him they are folly; he cannot recognize them, because their value can be assessed by anybody else. For: who has ever known the mind of the Lord? Who has ever been his adviser? But we are those who have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2: 9-16)

Key words/phrases:

Mind of Christ/mind of man

Revelation through the Spirit/Spirit and revelation

The Spirit explores the depth of everything, even the depths of God.

Spirit knows the qualities of God

God's own Spirit/spirit of the world

Spirit's wisdom/ human philosophy

Fitting spiritual language to spiritual things

Spiritual person/natural person

 

Spirit – The Seal of God

"It is God who gives us, with you, a sure place in Christ and has both anointed us and marked us with his seal, giving us as pledge the Spirit in our hearts." (2 Corinthians 1: 21)

The Holy Spirit is truly the seal of God. His presence and anointing in our lives are so convincing that only a person as blind as a rock could fail to notice this. Yet sadly, there are many who do not notice or care for the Person of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Holy Trinity. They think that when it comes to religion, minimum is the best. But they do not hesitate to accumulate all the money and honor they could. How sad! How unfortunate!

God gave us the Holy Spirit to remind us at all times that He is in us, with us and for us. When new discoveries in science begin to make me question the foundation of my faith, it is the presence of the Holy Spirit that puts an end to the proud ideas that dare to question the knowledge of God. It is like a man after using the GPS navigation system for many years suddenly begin to doubt if the system that has faithfully guided him in his travels is nothing more than a useless toy.

It is the Holy Spirit that has given us a sure place in Christ. His active presence in us is a concrete proof that all God's promises are Yes and Amen. Trust in the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of Yahweh

"The spirit of the Yahweh is on me for Yahweh has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the news to the afflicted, to soothe the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, release to those in prison, to proclaim the year of favor from Yahweh and day of vengeance from our God, to comfort all who mourn…" (Isaiah 61: 1-2)

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on disciples of Jesus is one of the most tangible and most cherished gifts of Jesus Christ to His Church. Christians of every denomination speaks of the effects of the Holy Spirit on their lives in the same language. He is a strong influence for good. He is a constant helper and companion. He is the always reliable ally in crisis.

For me, He is the source of all inspiration and power. Without Him, I can do nothing. With Him, I believe that nothing shall be impossible for me.

Isaiah foretold of the impact of the Holy Spirit on the ministry of Jesus Christ. We see the fulfillment of this prophecy in the teaching and actions of Jesus right from His Baptism in the Jordan. What the Spirit did in Jesus He can do in us if we allow Him. But how can we surrender fully to the Holy Spirit so that He can accomplish God's purpose in our lives? It is said that "Desire maketh a man." Everything depends on how much we desire to see God's purpose accomplished in our lives. If we desire it more than a drowning man for air, we shall be lead to the means of fulfilling the desire. The means is no other than the Holy Spirit.