The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (Romans 5:5).
Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come (Ephesians 1:15-21).
We have just celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. Although this was a specific and critical event in the life of the Church, it is easy to think of this coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples as a one-time event. However, the reality is that there was an ever deepening infilling and awareness of the Holy Spirit throughout the lives of the early disciples.
We know that we receive the Holy Spirit through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. We know that he gives us gifts enabling us to live the Christian life. Yet how is it that so many of us end up living as if the Spirit doesn't even exist? Perhaps, that is why the Holy Spirit is often called the forgotten person of the Trinity.
Interestingly, if you read Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, you will notice that it is an exhortation to take up the new life that had been given them and live in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. They, as well as we, have been adopted as God's children through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5) and brought from death to life (2:1-5). All division and hostility among the members of God's household has been abolished (2:11-21). Each of us is called to live in unity and to put off the old self and put on the new man created to be like Christ (4:22-24). We are to be "subject to one another out of reverence for Christ" (5:21). And finally, we are to stand firm in Christ and take up the spiritual armor he has given us (6:10-11). Now that's what living life in the Spirit should look like!
Then, why is it that even with such a dramatic set of exhortations, we can come to the end of a day feeling worn out because we have been trying to accomplish everything on our own power? Could it be that some part of us still doesn't know that there is a Holy Spirit to help us and guide us? Thank God he is so patient and kind! All we have to do is repent of our own self-sufficiency and ask the Lord for the grace to turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom and power.
Whenever we pray, whenever we go to Mass, the Spirit wants to reveal Jesus to our hearts — his love, his mercy, and his power. He wants to break down the walls that keep us trapped in a narrow, shallow understanding of God's plan. He wants to do this so that he can form us into a people on fire with love for him, willing to surrender our lives to him, and eager to bring his good news to a wounded world.
We don't have to fear the Holy Spirit. He may come in fire, but only to burn away the things that keep us from Jesus. We can carry so much "baggage" in our hearts — fears, anxieties, and resentments. But by the power of the cross, the Holy Spirit wants to lighten our load so that we can embrace Jesus as our just and loving Savior who wants the very best for us.
What do you want the Holy Spirit to do for you? Do you believe you can experience his presence and power? His help and guidance? Even if you have had prior experiences of the Spirit, there is always more he wants to do in your life. Go ahead and ask him to fill you more deeply right now. You just may be surprised by what will happen.
"Holy Spirit, please come into my heart in a deeper way. Fill me afresh with your light and your love. Give me the grace and power to turn to you for guidance and to be alert to your promptings. Help me to rely on you each day. Burn away everything that keeps me from your presence. Come, Spirit, and give me a new revelation of God's love and your plan for my life."
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. What is your personal experience of the Holy Spirit in your life?
2. Do you see the receiving of the Holy Spirit as an ever deepening infilling and awareness of him or as just a one-time event? Why?
3. How would you define the term "living life in the Spirit"?
4. How would you assess how well you are living life in the Spirit? What are some of the obstacles? What steps can you take to make this a greater reality in your life?
5. How has this article increased your understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit and your need for his ongoing work in your life?
6. If you are in a men's group, pray for one another at the end of your meeting to be filled more deeply with the Holy Spirit. Use the prayer at the end of the article as a starting point. Share with one another what you sensed occurring while you were praying.
