Born of the Holy Spirit (Monday, Easter 2, 2021)

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From now up till the Feast of Pentecost, the scriptural readings for Mass may be more emphatic on the acts of the Holy Spirit in and through the apostles/disciples as recorded in the Acts of Apostles. 


In Acts 4:31, it is noted that the disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the word of God boldly. In other words, the Spirit gave them courage and boldness needed for the proclamation of the word of God. We remember that the first time ever that the timid disciples were able to preach with courage was on the Pentecost day. When they received the Spirit, they were empowered to speak about the Risen Lord without fear of the Jews. This text may be reminding us of what the Spirit is capable of doing in our lives.


In John 3:1-8, we are presented with an interesting interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus. Of particular interest to me is what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit in His interaction with Nicodemus: “Unless one is born of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”. As Christians, we have a special task of proclaiming about the kingdom of God. If it is true that one cannot enter the kingdom if he or she is not born of the Holy Spirit, then it is also true that those who preach about the same kingdom cannot make any impact without the same Spirit. In Christian life and practice, relationship with the Spirit is indispensable.


Without the Holy Spirit, the Church will be reduced to a mere social club. Without the Spirit, gospel ministers will be no different from public entertainers. Without the Spirit, a church choir will just be a mere singing group making no real and lasting impact. Without the Spirit, the congregation will be like an audience gathered for a theatrical show. Without the Spirit, we will never grow beyond the flesh.         


And that is why it was very necessary that Jesus impacted the Holy Spirit on the disciples before He physically left the world. He knew very well that if the Spirit is not given, the disciples will be wasting their time. When we reflect on the lives of the saints, we see the mysterious power of the Holy Spirit at work in them. And that’s why they took very radical decisions and actions in response to the call of God. The same Spirit dwells in us. From the moment of our baptism, we have continued to receive the Holy Spirit. And from time to time, this Spirit nudges us to take up some responsibilities for the good of others. Let us not be inattentive to His promptings.


Prayer:

May the Spirit be our constant companion as we witness to the truth and power of the resurrection, Amen!




Have a impactful day and week!

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