In a world of manipulation, misrepresentation, and "hard-sell," we have Jesus, "the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth" (see Jn 14:6). Jesus does not broadcast commercials to interest people in following Him. He does not try to talk us into anything. For example, Jesus bluntly told Peter: "When you are older you will stretch out your hands, and another will tie you fast and carry you off against your will" (Jn 21:18). After indicating "the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God," Jesus then said to Peter: "Follow Me" (Jn 21:19). Jesus isn't a salesman.
Jesus is also disarmingly honest concerning the Holy Spirit. He could tell us about the power, blessings, healings, and prosperity the Spirit brings, but Jesus mentions these briefly while emphasizing how the Spirit will make us persecutable. The Spirit is not only our ticket to heaven but also to suffering for the gospel.
God's word promises: "Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God's Spirit in Its glory has come to rest on you" (1 Pt 4:14). Paul was compelled and warned by the Spirit that chains and hardships awaited him (Acts 20:23). If the Spirit will take us not only to resurrection but also to death, not only to glory but to Calvary, why would we ever thirst and ask for the Spirit? (Jn 7:37) Love is the only reason. Jesus asks: "Do you love Me?" (Jn 21:16)
| PRAYER: | Father, on this eighth day of the novena, may love impel me to receive the Spirit, despite the pain (2 Cor 5:14). |
| PROMISE: | "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He put our transgressions from us." –Ps 103:12 |
| PRAISE: | Sts. Marcellinus and Peter were early Roman martyrs who accepted the ultimate persecution for the sake of Christ. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College