Lean In…
By Krystal Montgomery & Roland Flasch
It turns out the Holy Spirit had strong opinions about this week’s reflection. We’re in that long stretch between Christmas and Lent when the decorations are down, winter feels endless, and inspiration can be hard to find. Creativity was clearly on vacation — until the Holy Spirit stepped in with a not-so-subtle reminder: “Hey… lean on Me.” So, we turned to today’s readings, which invite us to reflect on what it means to lean into the Holy Spirit and trust God’s will for our lives — not just in big, dramatic moments, but in the very ordinary, everyday ones.
In the first reading, the Servant of the Lord speaks of being called by God from the very beginning, formed with intention and sent for a purpose greater than himself. Yet the Servant also expresses discouragement, unsure whether his efforts have been fruitful. This is much like many of our own experiences. We often question whether we are on the right path or if we are making a difference.
Leaning into the Holy Spirit means trusting that God is at work even when the results are unseen and continuing to live faithfully when the path feels unclear.
Saint Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are “sanctified in Christ Jesus.” Holiness is not something we achieve on our own; it is the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Leaning into the Spirit often happens in quiet, unremarkable ways — choosing patience over irritation, integrity over convenience, forgiveness over resentment. These daily decisions shape our hearts and align us more closely with God’s will.
In the Gospel, John the Baptist recognizes Jesus because he is attentive to the Spirit. He listens, waits, and allows God to reveal the truth in God’s time. John does not draw attention to himself, but points others to Christ: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” His example reminds us that discernment begins with listening. Creating space for prayer, reflecting on Scripture, or simply asking, “Holy Spirit, guide me today,” helps us recognize where God is leading.
Leaning into the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean knowing everything ahead of time. It means trusting God enough to take the next step. When we surrender in small ways — listening, trusting, and responding each day — God’s will unfolds, shaping us into witnesses of Christ’s light and love in the world.