The Trinity is the most powerful entity in the universe. It is capable of doing anything and can fulfill any prayer request. The life-giving Holy Spirit is the outpouring of love between the Father and the Son and is lavished upon the Earth in abundance.
Catholic theologian Catherine Mowry LaCugna refers to the Holy Spirit as the “bond of love” between the Father and the Son. There is no scarcity of gifts that the Holy Spirit imparts. Any scarcity lies in our thinking and willingness to trust and ask, not in the Spirit’s ability to fulfill our requests.
It is our lack of trust in the ability of the Holy Spirit to hear us and respond in the way he sees most fit that is often the barrier between the miracle we seek and the reality we live. We often hesitate to ask for what we need, perhaps so we are not disappointed by what transpires. And yet, Jesus told us to ask and believe we will receive, to knock and trust the door will be opened for us, and to receive the answer he knows is best for us (Mt 7:7). Our trust in the Spirit’s power and insight must ignite our prayers and our responses to his answers.
Even as we revel in the Easter season, the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost, we might find ourselves in a mindset much like that of the Apostles as they absorbed the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. We, too, might have doubts about who Jesus says he is and how his actions will impact us. We might be overwhelmed by his presence and personal touch, knowing each one of us for exactly who we are and loving us right there. And like the early followers of Christ, we might be surprised and delighted by the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Experiencing the risen Christ still requires faith and the belief that we will experience his presence by discerning and trusting his word.
There are times in our marriage when we must rely on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and presence to bring us through difficult experiences. It could be a health situation, an unexpected employment change, or even an accident to one of our children or grandchildren. When we face situations like these, we must remember we are never alone and the Holy Spirit’s comfort and accompaniment will be the anchor in the storm.
There are common sensory experiences of the Holy Spirit, one being chills or goose bumps. Jesus said, “When two or more are gathered in my name, I am in your midst.” It is not uncommon for two or more people to share stories of faith and experience a chill as they recognize something profound has been said. It is not uncommon for Christians to have insights to troubling dilemmas or feelings of well-being, joy and warmth, as if they occurred out of nowhere. If you have experienced any of these, you may have had an encounter with the Holy Spirit. If you have not, ask the Holy Spirit for a sign that he is speaking to you and for the grace to recognize it when it comes.
ACTION STRATEGIES
- Do not be afraid to move into your faith more deeply and welcome the Holy Spirit into your life. He is ever-present and capable of any miracle we ask of him.
- Enter the season of Easter with joy and anticipation that the Holy Spirit will make his presence known to you.
Jesus told his Apostles he was sending them a helper, an advocate, the Paraclete to be with them after his time on Earth had ended (Jn 14:16-17). He assured them he was not leaving them but would be with them in a new way.
We should not be surprised, in this troubling time, that the Holy Spirit works in tangible, concrete ways. For our part, when we recognize and welcome the Spirit’s presence in our lives, just as he was in the lives of Jesus’ first followers, we, too, will experience the indwelling Spirit as a gift. The Father and the Son are very present to us in the form of the Holy Spirit. It is to our benefit to invite the Spirit’s wisdom into our lives with hope and a sense of mission.
Jesus’ mission molds us and he renews his Church through us, his people. We are invited to respond with enthusiasm and eagerness, allowing others to witness our joy in the Holy Spirit’s presence. Jesus is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Soucheray is a licensed marriage and family therapist emeritus and a member of St. Ambrose of Woodbury
