This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us,
that he has given us of his Spirit.
Moreover, we have seen and testify
that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.
Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,
God remains in him and he in God.
We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.
For the past year and a half, I have been meeting with two Bible study groups, on Monday mornings and evenings, to read and discuss the writings of Saint Luke. He clearly intended that his Acts of the Apostles should accompany and be read with his Gospel. We might call the set, "The Acts of Jesus and The Acts of the Apostles."
Their binding force is the presence of the Holy Spirit, which impels Jesus and his missionaries through all fifty-two chapters. The Holy Spirit is a palpable force which speaks first to Zechariah and the Virgin Mary, but also appears in the actions of people who are drawn to John the Baptist and Mary. In later stories, the Spirit's absence is equally palpable in those who resist the Lord's Good News.
The Evangelist tells us the Spirit "descended upon (Jesus) in bodily form like a dove;" and that he was, "led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days to be tempted by the devil." That same Divine Being will send him on his way from Galilee to Jerusalem and Calvary; and Jesus never fails to respond immediately, for the Holy Spirit can come only from God the Father.
When we open the Acts of the Apostles we find the same Presence coming upon the disciples of Jesus. It is joyful, eager, willing, and demanding; and they obey the Spirit just as well as they obeyed the Lord before his Crucifixion and death. It tells them where and when to go; and sometimes, for no apparent reason, refuses to let them go to certain places. Although they will go there later! The Spirit knows "There is a time and season for everything under heaven," so don't waste God's time and yours by arriving too soon! Nor should you expect an explanation from God.
Saint John knew and recognized that Presence in his congregation when he wrote, "This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit." Saint Paul could wax eloquently as threw himself and his readers into lists of the Holy Spirit's fruits and gifts (1 Cor 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; & Ephesians 4:11). He seemed to enjoy creating these lists; they sprang out of his lively excitement like an endless, inexhaustible fountain.
John also assures us in today's first reading, that Spirit knows and keeps us within the bodily presence of Jesus. We cannot help but acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God with everything we say and do; for, God remains in us and we in God. We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.