“Be filled with the Spirit.” —Ephesians 5:18
At our Baptisms, we became temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). The Lord wants us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18; see also Acts 2:4). St. Paul taught that those filled with the Holy Spirit do the following four things. They:
1) address “one another in psalms and hymns and inspired songs” (Eph 5:19),
2) “sing praise to the Lord” (Eph 5:19) in their hearts,
3) “give thanks to God the Father always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20), and
4) submit to one another out of fear of the Lord (see Eph 5:21).
Those filled with the Holy Spirit have set their hearts on higher realms (Col 3:1). Spiritually, they inhabit the throne room of God. They have entered “His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise” (Ps 100:4). Those filled with the Spirit upbuild, encourage, and submit to those around them. They can love their neighbour in this way because they love themselves (Lk 10:27). They love themselves because the Holy Spirit cries out in their hearts “Abba!” (“Father!”) (Gal 4:6) Secure in their Father’s love, those filled with the Spirit are a people of praise, thanksgiving, submission, and love. Accept the grace to be filled and stay filled with the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER: “To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!” (Rv 5:13)
PROMISE: “I Myself am the living Bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this Bread he shall live forever; the Bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world.” —Jn 6:51
PRAISE: Glory to You, risen Jesus, our Lord, our Teacher, our Example, and our Brother. Alleluia!
(From a reflection by a member of the editorial team of the late Fr Al Lauer’s Presentation Ministries)
For the full Readings in English and Maltese and other reflections please go to: https:thewordonsunday.blogspot.com OR access it through our Facebook page, “The Word on Sunday”.
John Portelli
