Thomas Lima csc –
Readings: Acts 5: 27-33; Jn 3: 31-36
Today’s first reading talks about a critical aspect of the Holy Spirit. It says that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey him. Even if we feel that we have not yet received the Holy Spirit, or experienced its power, we should obey the word of God. This is good news because it tells us that there is something we need to do if we want to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
As we reflect on today’s gospel, we see that many times, we are divided between what is heavenly (from above) and what is earthly (from below). The struggle is real. We want to follow Jesus, but our flesh has its own wants. That is why our resolve to avoid sinning often ends up in failure because even when the spirit is willing, our body is weak (Mt 26:41).
Yet, here is Jesus who is above all. In Him, we trust to grant us the gift of the Spirit that we may always be in a state of grace. Though we are “earthly”, He has called us to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48).