Sunday Reflection (February 11, 2024)
The Holy Spirit makes us vessels and instruments of God’s love and mercy. This is a work in progress for all of us, and yes, there might be “mountain top experiences” with an immediate insight or a feeling of God’s presence but these are ephemeral. The Holy Spirit slowly and gradually forms Christ within us and among us so that our views, attitudes, words, and deeds are those of a follower of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:3-6).
The Holy Spirit is transforming us as Christ’s Church to become a light to the world and reflect God’s love and compassion to the world. This begins with those around us, and even extends to enemies! As the Psalmist (50:2) related: “Out of Zion God shines forth in perfect beauty.” That is not mean, ugly, vindictive, and malicious, but “beauty.” The Holy Spirit continually creates within us and among us the beauty revealed in Jesus Christ.