By Deanna Bartalini

 

 

“I have yet many things to say to you,
but you cannot bear them now. “~ John 16:12

Jesus tells his disciples that while he will go to the Father, he will not leave them alone. The Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit, will come, teach them, and glorify Jesus. I think about what Jesus left with his disciples – the power to heal, loose and bind sins, the Eucharist – come quickly to mind. Yet he knew they would need more. We would need more.

Why is the Spirit needed?

Our faith is a living, breathing force. The Spirit reveals what we need to know when we need to know it. He guides us to truth. Now, this truth is not only about the world but about ourselves. Our part then is in asking. Asking for what we need and want to know. If we call on the Spirit, Jesus has promised the Spirit will respond.
I don’t think the Holy Spirit always waits for us to realize we need help. Some of us have a fierce spirit of independence, relying on ourselves instead of asking for help. I have been, well, honestly, sometimes still am, that person. I didn’t want to appear weak or unknowledgeable. I forge ahead without a clear path. Over time, I have learned a better way after more times than I can count.

Pause and Pray

Incessant phone notifications and email alerts seem to fly in the face of a thoughtful response; we can be different. We can pause, invite the Holy Spirit in with a prayer and then wait for the answer. When you don’t know what to say to a friend in need, ask the Holy Spirit. The early Christian community made no decisions without calling upon the Holy Spirit. I think it’s time we go back to that model. Amazing things may happen. Shall we try it?

Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit. Move in me, guide me, lead me, help me to know when to speak and when to be silent. Fill me, so I know and do the Father’s will. Amen.

Call to Action

Before you make decisions or respond to others or start a conversation, pause and pray, “Come Holy Spirit,” and be guided by the knowledge and grace you receive when you ask for guidance.

 

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