The Feast of St Raymond Penăfort.

"Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region." (Luke 4: 14).

Thursday 7th January 2021, in the Season of Christmas is the feast of St Raymond Penăfort (1175 - 1275). Spanish Dominican Priest. Very erudite and advanced the knowledge of Canon Law. He died at the age of 100.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit our key Scripture informs us. We can draw two insights from this statement:
#1. After His Baptism, Jesus was immersed in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit became a permanent resident in Jesus. The people noticed the change in the Man.
#2. Power is the dominant attribute of the Holy Spirit. It is through the power of the Spirit that Jesus teaches, evangelizes, performs all types of Miracles. The Holy Spirit is first and foremost the Spirit of power.

Why does this matter to us? As disciples of Jesus, we too have received the big Gift, the Promise of the Father: the Spirit of truth and power. We too can teach, evangelize and perform miracles in the power of the Spirit. What is then lacking in us? Faith! We learn from our first Reading today: "The victory that conquers the world is our faith." Faith is a mighty power. The Holy Spirit is activated by faith, dwells and works in the environment of faith.
Remember He, the Holy Spirit is the Gift of the Father. He is in you through faith and not through your hard and filthy works.

How then do you receive the greatest Gift. Ask for Him in faith and believe that you have received Him as promised and start giving thanks and praises. As you exercise your faith in loving God and your neighbor, you prove from your experience that He is in you and working through you.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com