The Spirit Is Upon You!

Micah 3:8

But as for me, I am filled with power,
with the Spirit of the LORD,
and with justice and might,
to declare to Jacob his transgression
and to Israel his sin.

To belong to Jesus is to participate in his Spirit and in his work.  Yesterday, we read the words Jesus spoke when he announced his public ministry in Luke.  Today, we are reminded that we share in the exact same Spirit that was upon him.  And we discover something else: with the glorious gift comes responsibility.  The task of those who receive the Spirit is to bear prophetic witness.  And the task of the prophet is, in part, to say “Repent”.  In a world intoxicated with dribble about self-esteem and demanding at every turn to be affirmed in its okayness, this is tough work.  But then, it always was.  Still, it is necessary work and work for which God equips us.  Today, ask for the gift of the Spirit to declare to Jacob his transgression.  Ask for it in humility and gentleness (lest your words come back to haunt you), but do ask.  Our sick world needs the diagnosis of sin before it can receive the cure of grace.

Avatar photo

By

Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. The author of numerous books, his most recent work is The Work of Mercy (Servant) and The Heart of Catholic Prayer (Our Sunday Visitor). Mark contributes numerous articles to many magazines, including his popular column “Connecting the Dots” for the National Catholic Register. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the Catholic and Enjoying It blog and regularly blogs for National Catholic Register. He lives in Washington state with his wife, Janet, and their four sons.

Subscribe to CE
(It's free)

Go to Catholic Exchange homepage

MENU