WEDNESDAY MAY 8, 2024
WEDNESDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER B
Acts 17:15.22-18:1
John 16: 12-15
THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALS THE COMPLETE TRUTH THAT GROWS OUR FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE IN GOD
One of the incredible ways we grow in faith and knowledge of God is when we submit to the anointing and influence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit inspires, opens us the mysteries of life to us and teaches us the way to the Father.
A greater knowledge of God can only be acquired when we draw closer to the Holy Spirit. We will not therefore be surprised at today’s gospel reading as Jesus makes known to us the action of the Holy Spirit in speaking for him, in leading us to the truth, in guiding us to the complete truth, and in opening the great mysteries of the world to us.
The relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit is never in doubt because they are one in action. As Jesus tells us, “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare to you.” All that Jesus would have told us in our finite mind and corporeal nature that we could not comprehend greatly will be gradually communicated to us as much as we can understand and comprehend by the Holy Spirit, our companion in this journey of life.
The citizens of Athens discovered in Paul the action, wisdom and brilliance of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul in addressing the people of Athens in the first reading recognized the beautiful art work in the city, the grandeur and the splendor of the wisdom, arts and religious inclinations of the people of Athens, Paul extolled them. And going further, Paul in his inspiration by the Holy Spirit associated the altar inscribed to an unknown God with Jesus. But the twist came when Paul mentioned the event of the resurrection. That did not go down will with most of the people of Athen and this tend to switch them off the teachings of Paul whom they initially listened to with great attention.
But we can observe the marvelous wisdom that issues from Paul in associating the unknown God with Jesus Christ in his bid to demonstrate to the people the centrality and importance of Jesus as the messiah God has sent. This can only be accomplished through the actions of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit leads us to the complete truth, and opens us up to understand and comprehend the mysteries of the world. The Holy Spirit goes beyond the instructions and teachings of Christ to a greater knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of faith. We must acknowledge and submit to the promptings of the Spirit upon which life is better understood and growth in faith is assured.
God our Father, grant to us the gift of the Holy Spirit to increase our knowledge and understanding, to open our minds to the things beyond us and to lead us to eternal values that matter in life and remove us from things that are of less worth. Come O Holy Spirit and live in us through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
