Psalm 93:1-2,5,
John 3 :7-15 Full Readings
Saint Anselm of Canterbury
Being led by the Holy Spirit
Brethren, today in the Gospel we see a continuation of Jesus' discussion with Nicodemus about being born again in the spirit in relation to entering the Divine Mysteries of the kingdom of God. Nicodemus was one among many Jewish leaders who made a difference to come and seek guidance and teaching from Jesus.(Is it why he came at night?) This also has a lesson for us, not to always follow the crowd especially if we know what is being done is not right. Nicodemus had made an individual effort to meet Jesus.
However, Nicodemus could not really comprehend whatever Jesus was talking about. It is because of only one reason. He had no Spirit of God in his life, not born in a new Spirit which reveals the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven as we saw in yesterday's reflection. This also happens to us if we are not being led by the Holy Spirit in our lives; we shall always see everything as superstition, like the Eucharist, eternal life, word of God, Church teaching, divine mysteries and promises, communal life and all things concerning God. All these will have no place and effect in our lives if we are not led by the Spirit.
Being led by the Spirit of God means allowing the Spirit of God which we received at our baptism and confirmation to take control of our lives to lead and guide us. This needs faith and strong belief in Jesus and the Father who sends us that spirit as well believing in the work performed by the Spirit in our lives. We might not comprehend the Spirit and even recognize its work in us physically but it's always at work when we allow it in our lives.
Jesus compares the Spirit as wind (original meaning in Greek) which blows where it pleases and nobody knows where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with the Holy Spirit in our lives. Though we may not be able to tangibly perceive where the Holy Spirit comes from, we will be able to see the effects of the Spirit. When we perceive a new strength within us, or an increase in virtues, or an ability to forgive, live communally, being able to help each other, receiving blessings and more of the works of the Spirit, we are aware of the fact that the Holy Spirit is present, leading us, transforming us and guiding us.
Additionally, we do not know where the wind goes once it passes. So it is with the Holy Spirit. If our lives are under the power and care of the Holy Spirit, we do not know where we will be led. The Holy Spirit leads us in the moment but does not typically reveal our whole future. We must be content to be led by the daily gentle presence of God, allowing ourselves to be moved here and there. This requires much trust and abandonment and total surrender to the will of God in our lives. We are sure the Spirit of God will lead us to the right direction.
From today's first Reading the Spirit led the Apostles to live communally and none of the people would lack anything. In your community, even your neighbors, is there anybody in need and you are in abundance but you are not helping, are you the one who don't want to identify yourself within your community by living an individualistic life? Are you the one who doesn't care about the duties in the community and church? And do more things which don't build the community? Brethren if you are among I tell you you are not living by the Spirit of God it requires a radical conversion.
It was the same Spirit which led Jesus to the cross and even raised him up so that we, who believe, may have life in abundance. Is the spirit of God leading you to sacrifice for others so that all will be happy or you are living an egocentric life?
Brethren let us pray today that we may open our hearts to receive that Spirit and be born anew so that we will be able to obtain the promises of the Kingdom of God and that the good work in us piloted by the Spirit continues to manifest itself by our lives. May we be blessed forever. Amen.
Blessed Easter season
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