Come, Spirit, Come

Self-knowledge through reflection on the temperament God gave us and those we love is an awesome tool for making stronger, deeper relationships. But, what do we do when there is something seemingly more powerful creating a barrier?

God gave us the Holy Spirit to be our advocate. Scripture tells us that we can recognize the presence of the by Spirit knowing its fruits. We know we are in the presence of the Spirit if we are dominated by a sense of peace, love, kindness, self-control, patience, trustworthiness, and goodness.

On the other hand, we have anxiety, jealousy, and hatred when the Spirit is not present. 

Take a moment right now to think of a relationship that you want to improve? What is causing you anxiety, jealousy, or even a sense of hatred right now? How is this tension affecting your school, your parish, or your home life? What is necessary for peace to come?

Ask God. Ask God to send you the Holy Spirit to pray for that person and to give you the right words and actions the next time you interact. 

This relationship might be more than a clash in temperaments that needs a mindful approach. Ask the Spirit to help you see if there is forgiveness that must take place. Maybe you are holding onto something that you don’t even realize. 

Matthew 18:34 tells us that if we don’t forgive, we are handed over to torturers. These torturers are things like fear, loneliness, depression, frustration, anxiety, and self-hatred. 

A little card I keep in my journal on forgiveness by Presentation Ministries warns that eventually, “We lose our appetite for prayer, the Scriptures, the Mass, and Christian fellowship. We become spiritually anorexic,” if we fail to forgive.

These torturers are very similar to what scripture tells us take over when we are acting out of self-interest, rather than responding to His will. In what relationship(s) can you ask the Advocate to come to your aid? 

As a teacher, can you use the language of the Spirit to help your students and even colleagues draw closer to Christ by discerning God’s will? What a powerful tool for transforming our classroom culture! 

This week ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and minds to where there is underlying anxiety, fear, or jealousy. How can you help yourself and your little disciples confront it in a holy way? 

If it seems impossible, start by simply identifying it and praying,  Come, Spirit, Come.