SUNDAY, 17 MAY 2020, 6TH WEEK OF EASTER.
Acts 8: 5-8,14-17, Psalm 66:1-3a.4-5.6-7a.16 and 20, 2Reading 1Peter 3:15-18,Gospel, John 14;15-21.
THEME: HOLY SPIRIT: THE SEA OF LOVE
In our today’s reading there is an emphasis on the enablement of the Holy Spirit. Through the ministry of Philip, when the people of Samaria had received the gospel, having seen the wonders which the Lord has wrought, they rejoiced exceedingly. Though they have received the gospel, something was still lacking in their lives. They still needed the strength to live out their faith. To lead the life of Christ, we have to go beyond what we have heard about him. We need to overgrow the sensations we get after seeing the signs and wonders performed through his name.
“Now, when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John who came down and prayed for them that they might received the Holy Spirit; for the Spirit had not yet fallen on any of them.” [Acts 8:14-17]
Christianity is an encounter with Christ in the person of the Holy Spirit. It is the power of God in us that enable us to bear witness in words and deeds. Peter admonishes us thus,
“Always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame.” [1 Peter 3:15-16]
Our message should match our lives. Though our lifestyle may not be accepted by others, our faith is better lived. We are called to be gentle with others so as to win them over to Christ. We are not better than others. We are simply products of God’s grace. We are meant to be table of God’s love; altar of his presence and the banquet table of his joy.
More so, our love for Christ is predicated by our obedience to his words. “If you love me, you will keep my commandment. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another counsellor, to be with for ever.” [John 14:15-16]. We prepare our body for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit by living our lives after the example of Christ. Every attitude or manner we display has the spirit that governs it. We form systems of authorisation in our lives by how we live. Getting use to a particular lifestyle, we attract the spirit that gives it strength. God’s manifests himself in us by confirming his words in our life. He honours our words and dresses us with his magnet divine which draws people to him in our daily encounters. He honours us with testimonies.
Hence, we are all invited to strive daily put on the life of Christ, “who works in us to will and to do.”[Phil. 2:13]
By so doing, we give back to God the life he has given to us, and grants us the gift of his presence. Empower by the Holy Spirit, we are enlightened, because he will teach us the body of knowledge which we require to achieve our goals in life. He guides us into all truth. He will be there to support and comfort us in all our life situations. Amen.
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