MONDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

[Jesus] poured forth the . . . Holy Spirit. 

Christ is risen! Alleluia! On this second day of the Octave of Easter, the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection by turning to Peter’s famous speech on Pentecost. Throughout the Easter season, we will read through the Book of Acts to see the difference the Holy Spirit made in the lives of the apostles. We’ll see how the Spirit changed them from fearful men hiding from the religious authorities into bold and fearless preachers of the good news.

At our baptism, we received the same Spirit that the apostles did. And we too have been changed by the Spirit! Each day he wants to guide us and empower us. As he did with the disciples, he can use us in ways we might not even imagine. So how can we open ourselves more fully to his action in our lives? Here are some suggestions:

Be alert. It’s so easy, given our busyness and distractions, to miss the Holy Spirit’s action in our daily lives. Or perhaps we don’t expect him to work through us. But if we keep our “antenna” pointed in his direction, we will hear him. Maybe he’ll ask us to reach out to a fellow parishioner or speak an encouraging word to a family member. We never know what he might nudge us to do unless we listen.

Step out in faith. The Holy Spirit prompted Peter to speak, but Peter still had to open his mouth, raise his voice, and begin talking. He might have been tempted to feel unworthy or nervous. But the Holy Spirit was prompting him to preach, so he did. Like Peter, we may need to get out of our comfort zone or try something new if we feel the Spirit is leading us.

Persevere, even when it takes time or when the Holy Spirit works in a way we didn’t expect. We won’t always see immediate or abundant fruit, and the waiting may be difficult. It wasn’t easy for the apostles, but in the long run, look at the fruit they bore!

This Easter season, try to be open to the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Each day pray, “Come, Holy Spirit!” Then listen, step out in faith, and persevere through any trials you may encounter. Remember, the risen Christ is in you!

“Holy Spirit, I’m listening. Speak to me today.”

Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
Matthew 28:8-15
Acts 2:14, 22-33

WORD AMONG US