WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD

 WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF THE
WORLD, BUT THE SPIRIT THAT IS FROM GOD
(1 Cor 2: 12)

Once again Christ keeps his promises. Let us remember the moment of the last supper in which, according to the gospel of Saint John, Jesus clearly says that He must leave, but that in his place, the Holy Spirit will be sent, who will teach us everything (John 14: 15, 26- 27; 16: 12-30). Today we are celebrating the fulfillment of that promise; the Holy Spirit has been given to us. 

Jesus communicates the gift of the Holy Spirit on a couple of occasions throughout his last moments with his disciples, from death on the Cross, where he breathed out the Spirit (John 19: 30), to the resurrection when he breathes his Spirit on the disciples. (John 20: 22). This gift should be a reason for joy for every disciple, since it is Jesus' desire to offer his own Spirit to His disciples, but for this it is necessary that He go back to the Father: "But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation.” (John16: 7-8)

While the book of the Acts of the Apostles tells us the moment in which the nascent Church receives the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-11), the letter to the Galatians (Gal 5: 16-25) mentions the fruits of the Holy Spirit and lists those disordered and selfish actions of human beings that do not allow God to act in our lives. Keeping this in mind, it stands out that the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the Church, as mentioned in the scripture, is possible when in an atmosphere of peace, prayer and unity God the Father is implored to fulfill the promise made by the Son. And by receiving this Spirit it is possible for the disciples to bravely face the challenges that arise before the announcement of the Kingdom of God, just as Jesus delegates to the disciples.

Together, as one Church, let us continue to pray to God the Father so that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Son, continues to act through us His disciples and we can show the world the mercy of God, the salvation that comes to us through the Son, and the holiness of Life that the Holy Spirit gives us. Amen.

Fr. Carlos Flores, OSA