“I have said this to you, so that you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage, I have conquered the world.” – John 16:32-33
Our lives have deadlines, things to do, people to see, stressors and, on top of it all, a global pandemic. In today’s gospel reading, in the midst of fear, persecution and hardship, as Jesus prepares for his own death, he reminds his disciples that they can find peace in him, even while in this world. No matter how hostile the world may seem at times, peace and still be found in Christ.
Jesus bore witness to the intimacy of his relationship with this Father through prayer. The Gospels bear witness to Jesus often going off alone to pray. Jesus modeled for us that prayer is where we go to deepen in our relationship with God, to deepen in our spiritual journeys.
This is where we can find the grace in the midst of pandemic. We are currently in the midst of a public health lockdown, so may we take this opportunity deepen in our prayer lives, for prayer is the expression of relationship with a gentle, saviour. In the Office of Readings today, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem wrote, “The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console.” -St Cyril of Jerusalem
As we read from Acts today, Paul asked if the people in Ephesus if they had received the Holy Spirit. Here are the words from the ancient prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit:
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle 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.
Have you received the Holy Spirit?
Ask Jesus to send the Holy Spirit into your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment