My Daily Bread Saturday Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time, Year II. A Reflection by Rev. Fr Festus A. Owakwue. Readings: Eph 1:15-23. Luke 12:8-12. BEFRIEND THE HOLY SPIRIT Yesterday, we saw that we need the grace of God to live authentic lives. The mercy of God is boundless, and we sinners cannot do without it. Father lavishes his graces upon us in Christ, and seals us with the Holy Spirit, Who is the guarantee of our inheritance. The Holy Spirit is the mark of ownership in us, for He enables us to call God Abba, Father! (Rom 8:15). Today, Jesus teaches us that to sin against the Holy Spirit is reject the truth that can set us free. Without the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of truth according to John 15:26b-27a, we cannot as children of God bear witness to the Jesus, in Whose body we belong. The Holy Spirit teaches us what to say and how to bear witness to the Son of man before man, so that the Son of man may acknowledge us before the angels of God (Luke 12:8). St John the Evangelist call the Holy Spirit Parakletos (Paraclete), which means Helper, someone who stands by to help. This kind of Person can be referred to as a Witness or an Advocate to plead our cause. Our prayer makes no meaning without the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:26). Therefore, the absence of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete brings fear to man. But with the Spirit we are courageous and anxiety gives way to confidence, and weakness gives way to strength. What are you passing through in life? Remember you have a friend and a helper. Acknowledge Him and you will live. The sins against the Holy Spirit are: 1. Presumption (Refusing to repent & presuming salvation). 2. Depair (I cannot be forgiven) 3. Resisting the known truth 4. Envy of anothers spiritual good 5. Obstinacy in sin 6. Final impenitence (refusing to say sorry at the end of your life). Do not be afraid! May the Holy Spirit never depart from you forever and ever through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed day. Peace be with you.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 04:57:38 +0000
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