The Power of the Holy Spirit

Good Morning, dear reader. As I read through the passage in Acts, I realised that what was transpiring, with people selling their things, giving equally to all is what we now know as Socialism. It is a topic that most people are afraid of as it is equated with Communism. That is because the practice was taken up by governments as a way to inhibit free enterprise and to oppress people not favored by the institution. However, as we see it in the Bible, it was a way that all people would thrive and receive help from one another. It was a way for the poorest of the poor to have things they normally wouldn't be able to have. Perhaps, if the idea had not become corrupted, it would be a way for all people to have an even share of things, a chance to "do unto others". This was the lesson that Jesus was always teaching. To show kindness and mercy to all. Just think of how much better life would be if we all helped each other out. 

John's Gospel returns us to the story of Nicodemus. Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives even though we can't see it. Jesus equates this to the wind. We can hear and see the wind blowing as it moves the trees, but we can't actually SEE wind. It is the same with the Holy Spirit. We can feel its presence, we can see the effects, but we can't actually SEE the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus is having a difficult time in understanding this. Jesus looks at Nicodemus incredulously. Nicodemus is supposed to be the ruler of the Jewish people yet he does not understand this concept. What Jesus is trying to say is that you believe in things you cannot see, yet you fail to believe in what the Holy Spirit can do within your life. It is only through salvation that one may go to heaven. It is only through salvation that leads us to believe in the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, through a belief in Jesus Christ. 

I have seen the Holy Spirit working through people as well as it working through myself. It is an amazing thing to see. It has the absolute power to change lives, to bring one closer to God. Just like the wind, we can't see it but we can feel its effects. Has the Holy Spirit worked in you? Have you felt its forcefulness in you? Has your life been altered in any way because of it? Take some time to reflect on those questions. You may find out that something that moved you, deepened your faith or changed your life was due to the Holy Spirit working in you and through you!! Allow yourself to feel those effects and let it help you to be a nice human! 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA9K7S9Ce9o

"Holy Spirit" by Francesca Battistelli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZd7ZXh9yY