Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Now I am going to the one who sent me,
and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.
But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he comes he will convict the world
in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
sin, because they do not believe in me;
righteousness, because I am going to the Father
and you will no longer see me;
condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”–John 16:5-11
When I read scripture, I often try to put myself in the place of the disciples. I wonder how I would react in a particular situation. I have the benefit of looking back and asking the disciples “How did you not see that?” To do that is to miss the point in my opinion. They walked, talked, and ate with Christ. They were friends and went with him wherever he went. At this point in Jesus’s ministry he was telling them that he had to leave, and this was a terrifying prospect for them. Jesus knew they would need the Holy Spirit.
What I find interesting is that not one disciple inquires as to where Jesus is going. They were so terrified at the though of not living with Jesus that they couldn’t gather the courage to ask. As I put myself in their shoes I don’t blame them.
I would be terrified as well. Especially after all the bad things that Christ said would happen to those who believe in them. However, that was not the case and he was looking out for them as he does with us.
The Spirit Empowers
The Holy Spirit, the advocate, had to come to empower the disciples. In scripture passage we see the disciples as being scared.
When the Spirit comes they boldly proclaim the Gospel, preserve the truth, and helps them teach the ways of God. The Spirit also convicts the world of its sin, and is acts in the defense of the disciples.
Like the disciples we may be afraid and think that Christ has left us. The Spirit is present and working among us even if we don’t realize it. The Spirit works in the Church and through us today.
Through scripture and sacred Tradition we see the Spirit is working for the ultimate good of all of us. Are we open to the Spirit prompting us to action? Are we open to the Holy Spirit telling us that we are doing something wrong? What is the Holy Spirit telling you to do today?
Pentecost
Yesterday the Church celebrated Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. Amid the celebration our world is going through much turmoil. There is a worldwide pandemic and violence has spread across the United States.
We need the Holy Spirit now. We need his help. Join me in a nine day novena to the Holy Spirit. The words to day one are below.
Holy Spirit Novena: Day One
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit.
Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name.
By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Charity within us. The great charity of all the the host of Saints is only made possible by your power, Oh Divine Spirit.
Increase in me, the virtue of charity that I may love as God loves with the selflessness of the Saints. Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Follow Along
Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-to-the-holy-spirit
Follow the link above for the other eight days of the novena. God bless you.
Saint Quote
O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. –Saint Augustine
Images Courtesy of Pixabay
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