Date: April 20, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: ACTS 4:23-31; Gospel: JN 3:1-8 |

Series:

Can we be courageous to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, whatever that be?

The Holy Spirit may be the least noticed Person of the Holy Trinity in a sense that, there are not many stories told about Him in the scriptures and in the New Testament. It might give us the impression that the Holy Spirit is the Passive Person who worked only at the background. But our first reading today suggests that it is the Holy Spirit that enabled David to pray with boldness and declare with audacity what the Gentiles and the peoples; the kings and the princes do against the Lord and His anointed. The Holy Spirit enabled God’s servants to speak the reality without fear. Our first reading today says: “As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” What power it is whose presence can “shake” and kindle one to speak boldly.

Meanwhile, Jesus, on one occasion introduces to us the Holy Spirit as the Advocate in whom we can totally give our trust. Again, this character suggests the Active Nature of the Holy Spirit - He is, after all, a driving force, a strength that gives life and sustains it. It makes possible what is hardly imaginable - As Nicodemus said: “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely, he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” It is the Holy Spirit that makes the baptized born again; become children of God; and citizens of Heaven - something that no human power can do.

The Holy Spirit is that Divine Power that animates, enlivens, and enables. Can we allow ourselves to be animated by His inspiration? First time ever, the church throughout the world closes its buildings and allows only private celebration of the sacraments? Is this the will of Holy Spirit? Can we be courageous to follow His promptings?