Empowered By the Spirit
Paul is teaching the Ephesians. But something is not quite right. He asks them if they have received the Holy Spirit. Their response, say what? What is a Holy Spirit? We did not even know there was a Spirit. What stirred in Paul that prompted him to ask that question? The people were good people, listening to what Paul had to share. What did he notice that led him to realize these people had not received baptism? We may never know. Paul baptized them immediately and the Spirit rushed upon them and they were changed. What power the Spirit has when we open our hearts and minds to receive Him.
Opening hearts and minds. Too often people tell me they are changing their prayer life. They will add this novena. Or they will pray another Rosary. Or they will spend additional time reading the Bible. All this is good and I am not suggesting you not do these things unless you are planning to do them with the right attitude.
If your attitude is one of self-improvement you might as well throw in a couple of pushups and sit-ups. If your attitude is one of emptying yourself to allow the Holy Spirit to enter then it not so much extra prayers but learning to be receptive to the Holy Spirit. For most of us that means learning to sit quietly, allowing our mind to empty, and listen.
Listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This coming Sunday is Pentecost. Open yourself to the Spirit.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen