Sunday 14^th December – 3^rd Sunday of Advent

Reflection: Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11

BE LED BY THE SPIRIT

The Spirit of God has been given to us and He dwells in those who seek and long for his presence. The presence of the Holy Spirit fills us with power and makes us witnesses of God (Acts 1:8). Before his ascension, Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit, the helper who would teach us everything and make us remember all he has taught us (John 14:26). This promise is fulfilled in us through the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

Many of us young Catholics have received these sacraments; and have the privilege of receiving the Eucharist quite often. What have you allowed the Holy Spirit to do in your life through these sacraments? The first reading of today reminds us that we have been sent as witnesses to the good news of Christ on earth. We need the Holy Spirit to carry out this mandate. We therefore ought to grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Beloved, do not restrain the Spirit of God in you (1 Thessalonians 5:19). It is only when we yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, listen to His still small voice in our hearts and allow Him to lead us that we can truly live out our Christian calling to the full. If John the Baptist had suppressed the Spirit of God in him, how would he have glorified God? Today, he is remembered and celebrated as the one who prepared the way for Christ (John 1:6). This season of Advent, let us be yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and then we will truly be witnesses, preparing the way for Christ.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to be a witness to your glory on earth. Let the Spirit of God teach me and lead me aright and help me to be obedient to His leading. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 38 – Who is the “Holy Spirit”?

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity and has the same divine majesty as the Father and the Son. When we discover the reality of God in us, we are dealing with the working of the Holy Spirit… In the Holy Spirit a Christian finds joy, inner peace, and freedom… In the Holy Spirit, whom we receive in Baptism and Confirmation we are permitted to call God “Father”.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Those who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s children”. Romans 8:14 GNB

Readings for Today: Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11; Luke 1: 46-54 (canticle); 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24; John 1: 6-8, 19-28