Immersed in Christ: Third Sunday of Easter: April 18, 2021

Be the Voice of God

The Creed says the Holy Spirit "has spoken through the prophets."

The Gifts of the Spirit are divine enlightenment—Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel—and divine empowerment—Piety (Family Spirit), Courage and Awe of the Lord. The Spirit speaks through today's prophets to show us Truth we had not noticed, and to urge us to do Good not supported by our culture. Then he overcomes the division this causes (Matthew 10:34) by making us One in a new and deeper way: "one in the Spirit." That is how we experience the Being of God.

Before Jesus, God chose special persons as prophets to give a message to the people. Now every Christian is consecrated in Baptism as "Prophet, Priest, and King," or Steward of the kingship of Christ. As prophets we receive the Gifts of the Spirit to speak truth in words supported by the example of our lives.

If our words and example challenge cultural values, many will reject us. Jesus said, "Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19). Then we experience the Holy Spirit: "When they hand you over, do not worry… but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11).

ACTION: Never ask again what is right or wrong; ask what bears witness to the values of Christ.

PRAYER: “Lord, send forth your Spirit. Renew the face of the earth.”