The Gospel of Luke, chapter 3:16

Two bystanders were gazing at the tremendous crash of water tumbling over the Niagara Falls. One bystander remarked to the other “This must be the greatest unused power in the world.” To which the other replied, “That is not true. The greatest unused power is the power of the Holy Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit is so-called because He is the Spirit of truth whose function it is to cultivate genuine holiness in people. If we would have the grace that is in Christ, we must secure the communion of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit imparts a spirit of wisdom for a spirit of criticism; evokes a spirit of unity for a spirit of disharmony; and spreads a spirit of love, thus replacing the worldly spirit of animosity and dissension.

It is easier to be critical than to correct. It is easier to bark orders than to work, easier to burn a house than to build one, easier to hinder than to help, easier to destroy reputation than to construct character. Anyone, like the Pharisees, can grumble, or censure.

But it takes a great person to go on working faithfully and lovingly and rise superior to the selfish spirit of the world.

Today’s gospel message concerns the baptism of the Holy Spirit. God knows, we need this kind of baptism, for too many people are still enslaved by selfishness, pettiness, greed and the desire to control things for themselves. The baptism of the Holy Spirit will set us free; free to receive the love of God, free to recognize that love in others, and free to avoid the downward pull of selfishness.

May you come alive to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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