The Spirit of God Dwells in You

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 09, 2023

Readings: Zechariah 9:9–10; Psalm 145:1–2, 8–11, 13–14; Romans 8:9, 11–13; Matthew 11:25–30

(Christ blessing the children attributed to Lukas Cranach the Elder)  

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/AwrE6MevKBI

Buying a high-end Canon or Nikon camera does not make you a photographer. It makes you just a camera owner. Just because you are a baptized Christian, it does not give you a ticket straight to heaven. Prayer is a way to God and in itself, prayer is not God. Often, we blindly follow many things in our lives without even being aware of the intricacies and complexities involved in what we speak or do. It does matter what we are and what we own or do. The liturgical reading for this 14th Sunday in the ordinary time of the year has a lot to encourage us, particularly about the Spirit of God that St Paul is speaking to us as well as Jesus' prayer to his Father for giving him disciples and the challenge that he poses to his apostles.

1. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit

Let's start with the Second reading that we have on this Sunday. It is from St Paul. He writes to the Christian Community in Rome: "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:11). In another place while writing to the Corinthian Chrisitan community St Paul says, "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). These statements have great significance for Christians today in the context of Paul's teachings and the theological framework of the early Christian community.

In his writings, St Paul frequently discusses the concept of the Holy Spirit and its role in the lives of believers. For Paul, the Holy Spirit is the very presence of God, actively at work in the world and within individual believers. Paul believed that when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence within them. Paul's statement, "The Spirit of God dwells in you," expresses the profound truth that believers in Christ have a direct and personal connection with God. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit signifies an intimate relationship with the divine. It means that God's presence, power, and guidance are not distant or external, but rather internal and accessible to every believer. They are, in fact, manifested when a person exhibits in one's life the fruits of the Holy Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

2. Transforming and empowering capacity of the Holy Spirit

For a Christian of today, this teaching holds several important implications. Firstly, it emphasizes the significance of the individual believer as a sacred dwelling place for God. It affirms the inherent worth and value of every person who has received the Holy Spirit. As such, Christians are called to honor and respect the sanctity of their bodies, recognizing them as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Secondly, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit grants believers access to divine guidance, wisdom, and empowerment. Christians are not left to navigate life's challenges and decisions on their own; rather, they can rely on the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit within them. The Spirit works in believers to transform their character, align their desires with God's will, and empower them to live out their faith.

Furthermore, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit fosters a sense of unity among believers. As individuals are all temples of the Holy Spirit, they share a common bond and identity in Christ. This unity is not based on external factors such as ethnicity, social status, or personal achievements but on the shared presence of God's Spirit within them. It calls for Christians to love and support one another, to bear each other's burdens, and to pursue harmony and unity within the body of Christ that is the Church. Lastly, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit reminds believers of their eternal hope. The presence of God's Spirit within them is a foretaste of the future glory that awaits them in heaven. It assures Christians that they are not alone in their journey but are being prepared for an eternal dwelling with God.

3. In Jesus, we see Father and experience the Spirit

The Gospel reading of today from Matthew 11:25-30 contains the profound teachings of Jesus, offering spiritual insights and reflections on finding rest and peace in Him. In these verses, Jesus begins by praising the Father, acknowledging that the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven are revealed to those with childlike hearts. This reminds us of the importance of cultivating childlike faith—a humble, receptive, and trusting attitude that allows us to experience the depth of God's revelation and wisdom. Jesus then extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened, offering them rest. He recognizes the struggles, hardships, and weariness we face in life, and He assures us that He is the source of true rest and renewal. It is an invitation to find solace in Him, to lay down our burdens, and to find rest for our souls.

When Jesus speaks of His yoke, He presents a contrast between the burdens imposed by the world and the yoke He offers. The yoke of the world is heavy, demanding, and oppressive. In contrast, the yoke of Jesus is gentle and light. It symbolizes His guidance, His teachings, and His way of life. Taking on His yoke means aligning ourselves with His teachings, following His example, and surrendering our lives to Him. In doing so, we find freedom, peace, and true fulfillment. As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded of the importance of surrendering ourselves to Jesus. It is an invitation to release our worries, anxieties, and struggles, and to entrust them to Him. Jesus assures us that He understands our burdens and offers to bear them with us, providing comfort and rest in the process. In Jesus, we find answers to our questions through the Holy Spirit.

Moreover, Jesus' invitation to find rest in Him emphasizes the need for a deep and intimate relationship with Him. It is an invitation to draw near to Him, to seek His presence, and to spend time in prayer, worship, and meditation. In His presence, we find solace, guidance, and the strength to persevere. May we respond to Jesus' call, embracing His teachings, finding solace in His presence, and discovering the rest and peace that comes from surrendering our lives to Him. Let us lay our burdens at His feet, for His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. May St Paul's words "The Spirit of God dwells in you," help us to build a personal and intimate relationship with God, granting access to divine guidance, empowerment, and unity among fellow believers. 

Questions for self-reflection:

1. In what ways can I cultivate a childlike faith and openness to receive God's revelation and wisdom?
2. What burdens and weariness am I currently carrying in my life? How can I bring them to Jesus and find true rest in Him?
3. Am I intentionally seeking a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus? How can I prioritize spending time in His presence through prayer, worship, and meditation?
4. What areas of my life do I need to surrender to Jesus? How can I embrace His love and grace more fully and allow Him to transform my worries, anxieties, and struggles?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humble reverence, acknowledging Your greatness and majesty. Your works are marvelous, and Your greatness is beyond measure. We praise You for Your abundant goodness and loving kindness that extends to all generations. You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in mercy. May our hearts overflow with gratitude as we meditate on Your wonderful works. May our life be a reflection of Your faithfulness and may our words bring glory to Your name. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

July 07, 2023