In today's Gospel reading from Luke 4, Jesus casts a demon out of a man. And the people are amazed, saying, "For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."
In our first reading from 1 Corinthians 2, St. Paul talks about two spirits. He writes, "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God." Note that the first spirit, the "spirit of the world" is not capitalized. But the "Spirit who is from God" is, because this Spirit is a person - the third person of the Trinity.
The spirit of the world continues to do its dirty work today. Unfortunately, too many people have accepted this spirit, thereby rejecting the Spirit of God. But these two spirits are diametrically opposed to one another. The spirit of the world accepts and encourages every kind of sin. The Spirit of God convicts hearts to reject sinful ways and live according the will of the Father. Which spirit are you listening to lately?
Father, we reject the spirit of the world. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may draw ever closer to you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
As OCIA starts up, have your pastor get the A Minute in the Church book series for the catechumens and candidates and sponsors. Order today at www.GusLloyd.com.
Dear Gus,
You often ask people to call in and “Tell me something good!” I would like to share with you a thought from my heart that borrows from the Angelic declaration of St. Michael. Hope you like it: “WHO IS LIKE UNTO GOD”…in the Holy Eucharist? “NONE!” Stephen