The Gift of the Spirit

June 2: Monday of the 7th week of Easter:

A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 16:29-33

“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” Acts 19:2

If you were asked, “Have you received the Holy Spirit?” how would you answer? With a “catechism yes”? Or could you speak from experience?

Paul obviously thought it was important. And so should we. If we did not learn about the “Gift of the Holy Spirit” in the teaching and preaching we have heard, and if we have not experienced that gift, our experience of Christianity is incomplete.

Perhaps we have experienced the “Gift of the Spirit” without recognizing it.

As a preview of things to come, notice these key words the New Testament uses to describe the work of the Holy Spirit. See if you resonate to any of them:

Power...  witness… boldness...  other languages… tongues… prophesy...  hope...  love… conscience… joy… peace...  communion...  conviction… renewal… signs… wonders...  miracles…

Add the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22: “love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Isaiah 11:2 says of the Messiah: “The Spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the LORD. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 1831) calls these “gifts of the Spirit” and adds “piety.”

Have you experienced all of these?

PRAY: “Lord, send forth your Spirit and our hearts will be regenerated.”

PRACTICE: Mull over the texts above, just to “get in the spirit” of what the Spirit does. More explanation follows.