Daily reflection _ perceivable with some openness

PERCEIVABLE WITH SOME OPENNESS
We are not left as orphans, but the Lord Himself dwells with us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
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!