The Peace of the Holy Spirit

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:19 am Post subject: The Peace of the Holy Spirit

The Peace of the Holy Spirit

Scripture:

And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming: and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues, as it were of fire: and it sat upon every one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit: and they began to speak with diverse tongues, according as the Holy Spirit gave them to speak.

Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded in mind, because that every man heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying: Behold, are not all these that speak Galilean? And how have we heard, every man our own tongue wherein we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews also, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we have heard them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:1-11)

Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, says Anathema to Jesus. And no man can say The Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Spirit. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministries. but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who works all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit.

For as the body is one and has many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body: So also is Christ. For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free: and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink. (1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13)

Now when it was late the 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 the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. (John 20:19-23)

Reflection:

When evil seems to reign, we might ask, to where should we turn? We might wonder, why does God allow the tragedies of our day, especially the evil which comes forth from the tongues and limbs of those who are led astray? Perhaps the answer is found not in what God allows, but what we allow. Perhaps it is we who set the conditions of the world by our resistance to the ways of God. Perhaps we do not see that we have the power to change what ?is? so that we no longer yield harm to one another. Should we recognize this, then, the question becomes, who will guide us to protect us from ourselves? Who will enable us to live in peace and with civility, compassion, charity, and love?

Perhaps these were among the questions of those who hid in the days after the crucifixion of their Teacher? He gave them the answer, but they did not fully comprehend. Before He gave himself over, so that prophesy might be fulfilled for the salvation of all, He told His disciples, ?But the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you.? (John 14:26) Their Teacher continued, ?Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.? (John 14:27)

Though they saw Him, and His appearance to them gave them great courage, they were also faced with the world which surrounded them; a world with those who were hostile to them. The choice before them was to remain silent and live out the remainder of their lives by going along to get along, or to speak and share the experience of the truth of their Lord. In prayer, they joined. From His Word they took courage, but the moment of their strength came as they accepted the Holy Spirit within their hearts. In that moment, they were given what would enable them to accomplish what no person could do alone. In that moment, their fear was removed and they went forth to spread the news of salvation, of Christ crucified, of the One who conquered death, and of the blessings of His Holy Word.

We might look back in awe of those who proceeded us, marveling at what they were able to accomplish. We might also be tempted to look at ourselves and lament that we are not capable of the same, but is that truth? The evil one would have us believe, we cannot hope to do what was done by the disciples of Jesus, but we must realize, they were only the ones of the early days; Jesus continues to call to all of us today to spread His Holy Word.

Not all of us can teach or preach, but there are many ways to do the work of the Lord without seeking the attention of crowds. Sharing the gospel may be done by speaking to the assembled multitudes, but it is also done through the actions of civility, compassion, charity, and caring. Some are called to inspire through song. Others are called to inspire through speaking. Others still, may inspire by listening without judgment or by lending a small, but helping hand. In all of these forms of ministry and diversities of ability, the enabler is the Holy Spirit. If we stand confused as to what we may do to give glory to God, then, we should pray the Holy Spirit will lead us, for though we may lack confidence in our abilities, the Holy Spirit knows what we are able to do with the gifts which God has empowered us.

If it is our desire is to help bring forth the world which God has always intended for us, then, we should ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to recognize what the Heavenly Father has given us to accomplish His will. We might surprise ourselves in what we are able to do if we but allow Him to work through us.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we see the Holy Spirit leading us?

In what ways may we be united through the Holy Spirit?

What does it mean to receive the Holy Spirit?

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