The readings remind us that God is always with us and always caring for us, no matter where we are or our circumstances. The first reading tells of how Peter and John went from Jerusalem to Samaria to pray with the people there and call down the Holy Spirit on them. The psalm is our response to God’s loving care for us. The second reading tells us that Christ suffered for all of us, righteous and sinners alike. And in the gospel, Jesus tells us that he has not abandoned us. He has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always.
What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit? How has my relationship with the Holy Spirit helped with my relationship in my community?
Being inserted into Christ through Baptism, we are given the Holy Spirit. We must have an open relationship with God through the Holy Spirit whom Jesus gave to all mankind. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit is to help us grow toward maturity and wholeness. There have been many occasions when the Holy Spirit not only guided me towards making decisions in life but also led me to do the work of our Lord. Being uncomfortable doing something new or having difficulties in our lives often leads those who are open to the Lord to grow in his presence. Through the Holy Spirit’s gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the lord we improve our relationship with our Lord
For our community in the Church of St Michael, we have many areas to improve upon to build a strong community. This can only happen if we seek the Holy Spirit as a Community. Whilst we may be at an infancy stage of our growth toward our Vision of “A Vibrant, loving community of disciples, making disciples for the kingdom of God”. We should not destroy this stage by comparing it to how the early disciples of Jesus lived nor compare it to where we should ideally be but recognise that we are growing and in need of growth. Only through the work of the Holy Spirit and our cooperation that we may see the reality of this occurring. Till then, we have to continue believing and building our relationship with the Holy Spirit who can make this happen for us.
Written by: Joseph Yzelman