Acts 18:1-8
Psalm 98:1-4
John 16:16-20
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"PERFECT STORM"
"They opposed him and insulted him." —Acts 18:6
As I write this, a storm has just blown in. There's a strong, driving wind outside (cf Acts 2:2). Lightning is darting throughout the sky and powerful blasts of thunder shake the windows. I hear sirens from fire trucks, police cars, and a tornado warning. It seems like this storm is turning the town upside down.
Tomorrow we begin praying the Pentecost Novena, nine days of fervent prayer to prepare for receiving a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. What storm will result if you receive the Holy Spirit during or after this Novena? It may mean that:
- you must leave your job, as did St. Joseph (Mt 2:14),
- you start a new job, which becomes the launching pad for a new ministry (Acts 18:3, 5),
- you pack up and move where the Spirit leads (Acts 18:1),
- you lose your spiritual mentor (Jn 16:17) and have to step out and take leadership, as did the apostles,
- you will weep, mourn, and grieve (Jn 16:20),
- you step out in bold obedience to the Holy Spirit, and because of that, your church is instantly divided (Acts 18:4ff),
- talented leaders are converted and raised up (Acts 18:8),
- many hear the Word of God and come to believe in Jesus (Acts 18:8), or
- you "shake" off the spiritual and physical debris left by the storm (Acts 18:6), and, undaunted, continue bearing fruit in the power of the Spirit (see Mt 7:24-25).
"Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), and let Him "stir" up your world (2 Tm 1:6).
Prayer: Father, may I be more concerned with being separated from the Holy Spirit than I am with having to endure upheaval.
Promise: "Your grief will be turned into joy." —Jn 16:20
Praise: St. Christopher continued to spread the Good News despite government persecution. In the end, it cost him his life.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."
†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 24, 2020
The "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") 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 the "Nihil Obstat" agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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