FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Ephesians 3:19
(May you) know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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In the face of fear, we can love. In the face of doubt, our faith will shine. In the face of despair, we dare to have hope. All through these, the Spirit within us is at works. He is not the spirit of cowardice but of courage. He is not the Spirit of doubt, but of belief. He is not the Spirit of sadness, but joy.

When we become a Christian, the Holy Spirit enters our lives, and He will never leave us. In a sense, He's a guest who will not leave you once you have let Him in the front door. It's now an exciting process letting him take control of every room in your home.

He wants to change you, though your basic temperament remains the same. Being 'filled with the Spirit' simply means being controlled by Him. So be filled with the Holy Spirit. First you must desire him - hungering and thirsting for what is right (Matthew 5:6). This involves confession of your sins (1 John 1:9). Then ask him to fill you: if you ask for anything he wants, he'll hear you (1 John 5:14, 15). Thank him for filling you, and by faith live moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day in his power and under his direction.

And allow yourself to be changed. Let Him work in you. Let Him change you for the better. The more we allow for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, the more goodness becomes evident in our everyday life. Give kindness and it will be returned to you. Let your walk and talk always be filled with kindness. Then, let others feel the Spirit within you and let them experience the same. For the same Spirit of God should work inside of us.

Almighty Father, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds. Loosen our tongues to sing your praise in words beyond the power of speech, for without your Spirit man could never raise his voice in words of peace or announce the truth that Jesus is Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen +

My strength and my courage is the LORD, and He has been my Savior.