28 May 2019 - where the Spirit of the LORD is..

Today's Readings

(Audio)

For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.

It is easy to imagine that we would be better off with Jesus here walking among us performing miracles and teaching. But that is not what he tells us. His Spirit extends his presence and power throughout time and space. Where once there was a single body in the Holy Land now there is the Mystical Body spread throughout the world and throughout the ages. Jesus is the head of the body. He is enthroned in heaven, victorious, connecting the rest of the body throughout the world to the fruits of his victory.

And when he comes he will convict the world
in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation

The Holy Spirit is able to convict hearts and bring about true conversion. He is able to show a man his own inner depths of selfishness. Yet at the same time he teaches him to hope in and turn toward the righteous one, whose righteousness is proven and accepted by his resurrection and ascension into heaven. His victory manifests the condemnation of the Evil One and in turn the condemnation of all evil. The Spirit actually changes hearts by presenting not only the problem but the genuine hope we have in heaven toward which we can turn.

About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened,
there was suddenly such a severe earthquake
that the foundations of the jail shook;
all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose. 

The Spirit is at work with Paul and Silas in the prison. Their praise and worship caused the Spirit to shake the prison, open the doors, and break the chains. But Paul and Silas know not to use this freedom as an opportunity to fulfill what the flesh would immediately suggest, that is, escape. Instead the jailer is able to realize the greater good that is their priority. He himself is able to believe in the Lord Jesus with his whole household.

Because of your kindness and your truth,
you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.

We too should recognize what a great gift we have in the Holy Spirit. When we're in trapped he can help us to sing praise regardless. He can open the way to freedom and help us to bring others with us as we come more and more into the light.