Receiving the Holy Spirit

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 8:25 pm Post subject: Receiving the Holy Spirit

Receiving the Holy Spirit

Scripture:

And the multitude of believers had but one heart and one soul: neither did any one say that aught of the things which he possessed, was his own; but all things were common unto them. And with great power did the apostles give testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord; and great grace was in them all. For neither was there any one needy among them. For as many as were owners of lands or houses, sold them, and brought the price of the things they sold, and laid it down before the feet of the apostles. And distribution was made to every one, according as he had need. (Acts 4:32-35)

Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God. And every one that loves him who begot, loves him also who is born of him. In this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the charity of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not heavy. For whatsoever is born of God, overcomes the world: and this is the victory which overcomes the world, our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifies, that Christ is the truth. (1 John 5:1-6)

Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord.

He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive you the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus comes, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you. Then he said to Thomas: Put in your finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither your hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God. Jesus said to him: Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed. Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name. (John 20:19-31)

Reflection:

We survive in this world by the things of this world, but the things of this world are but things without any eternal value. They are consumed or will return to dust, but that which is eternal is that which comes from God. Many seek to make sense of their existence by the things of the world, but they are unable to see as God sees for they limit themselves by the experiences of worldly senses and do not look to the experiences of the spirit.

Through the spirit, we comprehend that God asks of us to care for one another with charity and love. We fulfill His desire by what we give to care for those who are in need. The fulfillment of His will is not accomplished through taking by force or decree, but through what is freely given by the heart. If the choice is not that of the giver, it yields nothing for the blessing of the soul.

Our place within His kingdom cannot be purchased with any amount of riches or charity, for that was purchased upon the cross for those who believe in Him, but our belief in Him is demonstrated by how we choose to live and whether we seek to fulfill His commandments of love. If we view the world through the eyes of love, we will gain strength against the temptations of evil, for we will not be drawn to selfishness, rather, we will be drawn to selflessness.

Many try to comprehend through the eyes of the world and the perceived justice of the world, but they are instead blinded by the world. If they are to see Him, they must invite the Holy Spirit within their heart, for the Holy Spirit will help us see that which is beyond our physical senses and the path which will bring us to His kingdom.

Many do not comprehend the Holy Spirit, though He remains only an invitation away. From the time we were children, we have learned of the world and various means to communicate with one another. None of these abilities were full and complete from the moment of birth, but were learned and refined through experience and time. We cannot hope to understand and receive from the Holy Spirit if we do not spend time with Him. As we open our hearts to Him and seek Him in prayer, He will not deny us, but will guide us in understanding. The more we seek Him, the more we shall witness and comprehend the ways He works within our lives.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier