Word to the Wise
Monday, May 19, 2025 - 5th Week of Easter - Mon
[Acts 14:5-18 and John 14:21-26]"Whoever loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him....I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name - he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. [John]
Catholic spiritual tradition includes the phrase, "the indwelling of the Holy Trinity." We invoke this indwelling thousands of times in our lives by making the Sign of the Cross! The roots of this faith are seen in today's gospel scripture which speaks of the Father and the Son coming to us and making their "dwelling" in us. Then Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit being sent as well to "remind us of all that I told you." St. Paul speaks of us as "temples" of the Holy Spirit.
We are not meant to be inert containers. The presence of the Holy Trinity in the hearts of believers is a dynamic reality in a living human person through faith. We are to be living witnesses to a loving presence - reflections of God's love. It's a big challenge for us humans who are imperfect in our efforts to live out God's presence every day. We have to renew our efforts over and over again. But we have the promise of God's help in the effort. God's mercy enables us to rise above our imperfections if we are willing to do our part. AMEN