Right now, close your eyes, and imagine God telling you about his deepest desires for you: “I want you to be free enough to live a vibrant Christian life. I want to see you live in holiness, gratitude, and patience. I want you to be a blessing to everyone around you. I want you, my child, to be filled with the fruit of my own Holy Spirit!”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks about people who prophesy and perform miracles in his name but who still don’t really “know” him. It’s a bit chilling, actually, to hear these words because they make it clear that the Lord is interested in more than our “performance.” He wants to make us holy, not powerful. He knows that it’s holiness that unlocks the real, life-changing power of the Spirit.
We need to be careful here. Jesus is always thrilled at our victories, no matter what form they take. He rejoices over every one of our efforts to serve him and his people. He is delighted when we go to Mass, serve in a ministry, pray with a friend, and try our best to follow his commandments. But at the same time, he still sees areas in our life that need to be addressed. He’s never disappointed in them—he knows us too well to be surprised by them. He never holds them against us either. Rather, he so wants us to shine like stars in the sky that he is eager to set us free from everything that holds us back (Philippians 2:15).
Today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify one area of your life that needs a little attention. Tell him you’re eager to work with him. Give him permission to shine his light into your darkness so that you can shine his light into the world around you. People need your witness. They need your love and compassion. Let the Holy Spirit make it happen!
“Come, Holy Spirit, and make me more like Jesus. I want to be his hands and feet in this world!”
Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16; Psalm 106:1-5
1 comment:
It is not enough to say "Lord, Lord"
It is necessary to put the Lord's words into practice We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
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