PERCEIVABLE WITH SOME OPENNESS
We are not left as orphans, but the Lord Himself dwells with us through
the power of the Holy Spirit.
Separation and loss
of a relationship often leads to grief and pain. The Apostles were filled with
sorrow when Jesus spoke about His imminent departure. He explained that it was
for their sake that He must leave them and return to the Father. However, Jesus
promised that they would never be left alone; He would send in His place, the
best of friends, the Holy Spirit. By sending the Holy Spirit to His followers,
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 with us through the power of the Holy
Spirit (cf 2 Cor 4:9; 6:16b).
"The gift and
presence of the Holy Spirit is the most magnificent and wonderful thing that
can happen to us, the human community, all living things, and this earth,"
wrote German theologian, Jurgen Moltmann. This Advocate "pleads the cause
of another, supports or promotes the interests of another." When there are
turbulent times, it brings much comfort to know that we have such a powerful
Intercessor at our side. The Spirit convinces us of God's love and forgiveness
and of our utter dependence on our heavenly Father for His mercy and grace. As
important as presence is, there is also a "ministry of absence," said
spiritual author, Henri Nouwen. It is the Holy Spirit Who ultimately brings
healing and comfort to us. We need to trust God to do the work that only He can
do in our hearts.
May we have genuine
faith that produces and gives us the will to see beyond just what naturally
happens in this world. Let us come to realize the way a particular individual
brightens up our life, makes us joyful, chases the clouds away, allowing us to
see more clearly. Seeing good come to us through others or through life events
confirms, for most of us, that there is truly a God Who cares for us.
In today's
Responsorial Psalm we acclaim: "Your right hand saves me, O Lord" (Ps
138:7c). Our heavenly Father is perceivable with some openness on our part. Let
us thank Jesus for the Advocate. Let's do it right now!
Sometimes our
absence serves in a way our presence can't!