Reflectiion

Meditation: Why does God seem far from us at times? Separation
and loss of relationship often lead to grief and pain. The apostles were
filled with sorrow when Jesus spoke about his imminent departure. Jesus
explained that it was for their sake that he must leave them and return
to his Father. He promised,  however, that they would never be left
alone. He will send in his place the best of friends, the Holy Spirit.
Paul reminds us that "nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ
Jesus" (Romans 8:39). By sending the Holy Spirit to his followers, the
Lord Jesus makes his presence known to us in a new and on-going way. We
are not left as orphans, but the Lord himself dwells within us through
the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:9; 6:16b).
Jesus tells his disciples three very important things about  the
work of the Holy Spirit – to convince the world of sin and of righteousness
and of judgment. The original word for convince also means convict.
The Holy Spirit is our Sanctifier. He makes us holy as God is holy. He
does this first by convicting us of our sin and by bringing us humbly to
the foot of the Cross. The Spirit convinces us of God's love and forgiveness
and of our utter dependence on God for his mercy and grace.  We need
the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us from the error of our sinful ways
and to show us the way of love and truth.
The Jews who condemned Jesus as a heretic and blasphemer thought they
were serving God rather than sinning when they crucified Jesus. When the
gospel was later preached on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37), many were
pricked in their heart and convicted of their sin. What made them change
their mind about Jesus? It is the work of the Holy Spirit to both convict
us of wrongdoing and to convince us of God's truth. The Spirit convinces
us of the righteousness of Christ, backed by the fact that Jesus rose again
and went to his Father. The Holy Spirit also convicts us of judgment. The
Spirit gives us the inner and unshakable conviction that we shall all stand
before the judgment seat of God. God's judgments are just and good. When
we heed his judgments we find true peace, joy and reconciliation with God.
Do you allow the Holy Spirit free reign in your life that he may set you
free from the grip of sin and set you ablaze with the fire of God's love?
"Come Holy Spirit, and let the fire of your love burn in my heart. Let
me desire only what is pure, lovely, holy and good and in accord with the
will of God and give me the courage to put away all that is not pleasing
in your sight."
Psalm 138:1-3,7-8
1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the angels
I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for
your steadfast love and your faithfulness;  for you have exalted above
everything your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me, my strength of soul you increased.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right
hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD,
endures for ever.  Do not forsake the work of your hands.


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(c) 2012 Don
Schwager




This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings