Acts 20:17-27, Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21, John 17:1-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/060711.shtml
THE COST OF PENTECOST
"I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit and not knowing what will happen to me there." -Acts 20:22
Paul said the Holy Spirit may warn us that "chains and hardships" await us and then compel us to march right into these situations (Acts 20:23). No wonder it takes a nine-day novena to "get up enough nerve" or faith to sincerely want the Holy Spirit active in our lives. The Holy Spirit is God, the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Is 55:8-9). In fact, His ways and thoughts are not even close to ours. When the Holy Spirit comes, being God, He will not ask us what we want Him to do, but will tell us what to do. Being human, we may not even be able to understand many of His commands, so we must obey "by faith, not by sight" (see 2 Cor 5:7).
Therefore, life in the Spirit means a life of self-denial, obedience, and love. Life in the Spirit is not maintaining the status quo, but putting our life "under new management." Life in the Spirit is not comfortable, but it is challenging. After realizing the dynamics of having God the Holy Spirit run your life, do you really want a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost?
Prayer: Father, may I want to receive more of the Holy Spirit no matter what. Remove any resistance within me.
Promise: "Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ." -Jn 17:3
Praise: Samuel took a leap of faith by asking for the Spirit and was blessed with life in abundance.
(For a related teaching, order our tapes on Life in the Spirit Seminar" on audio AV 8A-1, AV 8A-3, AV 8B-1, AV 8B-3 or video V-8A, V-8B.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from June 1, 2011 through July 31, 2011
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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