Faith Reflection: Mercy—The Beauty of Our Young
All throughout Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad) Pope Francis talks about the Holy Spirit. This is to be expected because it is only through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that our holiness is sealed and “an impulse to evangelize and to leave a mark in this world” comes into being. We can’t grow in holiness without the Holy Spirit.
“The Holy Spirit changes hearts,” Francis said in his homily for Pentecost. “The Spirit enters into situations and transforms them. He changes hearts and he changes situations.” This happens because the power of the Holy Spirit is both a centripetal and centrifugal force as the Pope called it. The Spirit’s power is centripetal because it “seeks the center, because it works deep within our hearts.” This centeredness stabilizes us bringing unity, peace and strength where division, affliction and temptations abound.
At the same time the Holy Spirit is a centrifugal force pushing us outward. “The one who centers us is also the one who drives us to the peripheries,” Francis noted. The Spirit’s outpouring is the “powerful jolt” we need to be bold and courageous so we can move out from where we are, to see the possibility in what seems impossible, to be able to respond to the needs of our time.
Even though the Pope said we will find ourselves in a constant spiritual tension when we live by the Holy Spirit—being pulled both towards God and towards the world—it’s this tension, however, that allows our hearts to breathe in the power and joy of God’s love. It’s this tension that breaks down our resistance and hesitancy and impels us to go in new directions. It’s this tension that keeps us from being weighted down by our own weaknesses making us powerful and compelling witnesses to the beauty of our Lord.
Do not let yourself be afraid to be guided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us life—may we say daily “Come Holy Spirit” and put this life into action allowing him to renew the face of the earth.
Thank you. Mrs. Alhadef