Power of the Holy Spirit

Readings for Thursday April 23, 2009

First Reading:  Acts 5:27-33

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 34

Gospel:  John 3:31-36

But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, "We must obey God rather than men. 
The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree.
God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins.
We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."  (Acts 5:29-32)

The book of Acts always brings a sense of awe and amazement in regards to the power of the Holy Spirit.  I mean the disciples were probably the most unexpected and non-formally educated Jews in the area, but by God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, they became bold evangelists spreading to good news to Jerusalem and beyond.  Although before they may have ran when faced with adversity, now they are strong and their faith is unshakable.  They are more concerned with serving God than with what the Jewish leaders may think or do to them.  It is obvious that something is different now, they have opened themselves and allowed God to use them and work in them.  

We too can have this same type of boldness and courage if we so choose.  But we must be willing to humble ourselves and turn to God in order to receive the gifts that He wants to give us.  God has a plan for each of us, and it is not to sit around wasting the gifts that He has given or to stay inside and not go out and be a bold witness in the world.  God has a great plan for us, and if we are so willing to pray for His will to be done, rather than our own then He will make His plan clear.  And if we are willing to trust and obey God alone, He will give us the strength and courage that we need to go out and be faithful and obedient servants for His glory.   

Today, put into prayer this question; how does the Holy Spirit want to work in your life?  

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, we thank you and give you praise for all that we have and all that we can do.  Lord, send us your spirit so that we may be bold and faithful servants of you, and may we seek nothing more than to give you all the glory and honor.  Lord, we pray for all those who are afraid and all those who fear this world, may they be strengthened by your Spirit and fear nothing but a life without you.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.