A Gift from God

Everyone loves receiving gifts and in this week’s reading, Jesus promises us a gift from God! It is a gift unlike other gifts – it will empower us to do many things with great love. It is a gift that comes with many charisms; a gift that enriches the lives of others around us. The gift of the Holy Spirit!

Very often, we receive gifts that benefits us alone but the gift from God benefits everyone around us. It is like a light of a candle that brightens a dark room. Pope John Paul II tells us that the aim of “many charisms is not for the personal sanctification of those who receive them, but for the service of others and the welfare of the Church… in that it concerns the growth of Christ’s Mystical Body”.

Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He commissioned us to continue His work here on earth (Mark 16: 15-20); He said “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:1-8).

Jesus came not to judge nor condemn but to bring joy. (Jn 3: 16-17; 15: 11). He came to give the good news to set us free, to heal and to save. Now we are to continue His mission here.

Just as the disciples stayed together and prayed for the gift, we too need to pray for this gift to reflect the light of Christ in our world. – SR

For the novena to the Holy Spirit, you may click on the following link:

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-to-the-holy-spirit-for-the-seven-gifts-309