The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.
REFLECTION
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The city of Milan was looking for a teacher of literature and elocution. St Augustine was fed up with the Manichean rigmarole, so he applied and there met Bishop Ambrose, who was known through out the world as a man whom there were few to equal in goodness. St Augustine described Bishop St Ambrose as a gifted tongue never tiring of "dispensing the richness of your corn, the joy of your oil and the sober intoxication of your wine". Looking back, St Augustine knew that it was God who led him to St Ambrose so that he would lead him to God. St Ambrose had shown him kindness, taught him the doctrine of salvation, and showed St Augustine His mercy.
(Confessions of St Augustine, Book 5, Chapter 13)
We can see the path of God. Just the place where St Ambrose happens to be is where God sent St Augustine. We see the release of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit is “released” within a person, it usually arrives when our heart yields to the gentle invitation and stirring of the Holy Spirit.
Pride loosens its grip, and something new arrives when we surrender. And most people will describe the Holy Spirit as a wind coming in through an open window.
We notice a change in us and hopefully others will as well. We are not alone as the gift of the Holy Spirit is not rationed out but brings clarity to our muddled life, confusion, pride, anger, doubt and we are transformed. With this conviction our past is healed, our wounds respond to the salve of love and that window invites us to enjoy the light.
May the Holy Spirit bring us the desire to be good, love more deeply, forgive more freely, be more caring, desiring what is good, and to love more deeply. This ongoing relationship continues to move as long as the heart remains open. When we resist, we feel the distance again. When we surrender, the flow returns.
God is alive in us—guiding, strengthening, and renewing us day by day.
God Bless You
*Confessions of St Augustine, by St Augustine of Hippo
Comments