WE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT........

In the three readings of this Sunday, we have the evidence of the acknowledgment of the Holy Spirit actively involved in the life, existence and decisions of the early or apocalyptic church. In the church of Antioch, we see a kind of problem that erupted which had the capacity to mar the growth and Christianization of the pagan territories. But what is the riddle that was able to put an end to this malaise.
In the Acts of the Apostles (15:23-29), the apostles gathered imploring the assistance of the Holy Spirit (the inexpressible gift) to assist them in the resolution of this mis-understanding, adaptation and form of generalization form that was almost imposed on the gentile Christian. The general council was held under the auspices of the Holy Spirit.
This accounts for the final decision in which the college of apostles under the leadership of St Peter, could stand to declare before the congregation and general audience “we and the Holy Spirit”, have unanimously decided.
By virtue of this singular fact the apostles show us how we are to interact and deal with the Herculean crisis that could arise in the Christian community. We can successfully resolve this difference by beginning and counting on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit bestows the wisdom for right judgment and decision.
In the same vein, it is obvious to say that the colleges of the consecrated elect “those in sacred orders” are divinely equipped for this great mission of reconciliation, conflict resolution and enhancing the unity of Gods people. We should not lose sight of this rare privilege of God in his ministers.
In our situations of today, how do we implore the intervention of God in the resolution of the common difference that continue to plaque our society. The table of dialogue and the wise counsel of God cannot be under estimated in the sure direction of lasting and true peace which our society of today is in dire need of at these material times.
In the apocalypse of John (21:10-23), the Holy Spirit guided John to the vision of heaven, such that this unique vision is a step towards realizing a form of enthusiasm for the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit to a large extent in this instance reveals the eternal goal of God to man and his vocation to dwell eternally with God.
The form of valedictory speeches of Jesus introduces us to his promise of the Holy Spirit. He says “I have said these things to you while still with you; but the advocate the Holy Spirit whom the father sends in my name will teach you everything”. Cf John 14:24-26.
Jesus makes the place of the Holy Spirit irreplaceable and indispensable in our lives. We cannot know, live and profess our faith in the mindset of God without the timely direction of the Holy Spirit. While we laud Jesus’ continues care for us, we must try as much as possible to seek the power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
We today can lay credence that the church is sustained not true the action of anyone’s goodness but through the action of Jesus in the Holy Spirit. I make bold to say that the Holy Spirit is the radiant glory of God that enlightens the church and guides it on its way through the world in its decision. What about our physical existence?
May the promise of the spirit, comes speedily and wake our inactivity to activity, resurrect us from our death to life in Jesus Christ. Amen