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

Stepping Out in Faith

 Good Afternoon, dear reader. We are half way through yet another week. The promise of things to come keep us moving forward. 

Today we revisit the tale of the three men who refused to worship the golden idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had created. However, we come in at a later part of the story. The men were in the furnace. The fire grew hotter and larger, yet nothing happened to these men! The person in charge of making sure the fire burned hot and that the men did not escape told the king that there were FOUR men in the furnace, one of whom looked like the Son of God. How could this be? This was way before the time of Jesus's birth. It is explained that the king saw this as an angel who was sent down from God to protect the men. After this, the king realized that these men were so sure in their faith that God protected them. He then said that anyone who talked bad about these men would be "cut to pieces and his house destroyed, for there is no other God who can rescue like this" (Dn 3:96, NAB). 

Sometimes it really does take a miracle, an act so surreal that there is no doubt that it was God's doing. And it takes a great deal of courage to stick by your faith, especially when your life is in the balance. The ones past who had given their lives for their belief in God were true martyrs, most of whom went on the become saints. Their defiance and their beliefs spoke of great faith, even if it didn't save their lives. I don't know a great many people who would do that. This is why our behavior, our actions, our lives should reflect our comittment to God. We need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk, as the saying goes. 

We see a similar theme in today's Gospel. Jesus tells the Jews that whoever listens to His word will be His disciples. But the Jews only believe in one God and follow the
prophet Abraham. Much of Jewish law is based in the Old Testament. So for them to believe in Jesus, they were going against God's law set forth in the Ten Commandments (Dt 5:7). Jesus tried explaining that by believing in Him, they also believed in God. No matter how much Jesus tried explaining, they wouldn't believe, they wouldn't listen. 

Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to explain something to someone but no matter which way you said it, they still wouldn't believe you? It is truly mind numbing. I've often thought I'd have an easier time explaining things to my dog!! lol I imagine Jesus must've felt a similar way. He was trying to say that it was ok for the Jews to believe in Him because He was sent here by His Father, God. After a while, He just sort of gave up. Just go on being sinful. You're not going to listen. Continue to be a slave to what is not of God. As the Jews began to throw stones at Him, He must've thrown up His hands and basically said "I'm outta here." There is nothing more you can do. You can't force people to listen or understand. And, as hard as it might be, sometimes you do need to just walk away. You know what's right and what's true, and as long as you are following what Jesus taught us. And that's all that matters.

So, dear reader, be assured in your faith, stand firm in that belief. Let your actions follow that of your words. Be the example of Jesus. And as always, be a nice human.😇

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

"The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t9u-LOa3OI