The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, January 3, 2002
Thursday before Epiphany
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 2:29--3:6
Psalm 98:1,3-6
John 1:29-34
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
Today's Gospel reading says something that I think is quite notable,
namely that John the Baptist, didn't recognize Jesus (as the chosen
one of God) until the Holy Spirit revealed it to Him. In saying this
John demonstrated the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit.
It seems that without the Holy Spirit's revealing light even the very
blessed, like John the Baptist, could miss the point. This should
move us to reflect on how closely we have invited and allowed the
Spirit of God to work in us. If we are tepid and unbelieving, perhaps
it is because we have thrown up barriers to the Spirit who respects
our free will and will not force His grace upon us.
As this new year begins, may we pray to be more receptive to the Holy
Spirit. If we find ourselves altogether unreceptive may we, in all
humility, ask for a change of heart, even though we might not know
what such a change might entail.
With this kind of humility (which really stems from our own
neediness), the heart of the Father is so moved that He sends His
Spirit to show us Jesus, the Way to Him, and the enormity of the
treasures of His love.
Come Holy Spirit, come!
Give me the grace not to just know "about" Jesus,
but to really "know" Jesus.
Amen.
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
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