Today’s Readings:
Acts 22:30,23:6-11
Psalm 16:1-2,5,7-11
John 17:20-26
Saint Paul warns, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4: 30)
We frown at certain attitudes or character traits in our friends and label them as “red flags”—things that grieve us or cause us sorrow. In the same way, grieving the Holy Spirit means to make him sad. In our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we have to avoid thoughts, words, or actions that can sadden the Holy One dwelling within us.
Today, we are considering “sins against the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 12:31,32). They are mortal sins that harden a soul by its rejection of the Holy Spirit. They are:
Despair —This is when a person loses hope of salvation, judging that their eternal life is already lost and that they are condemned, even before Judgment. It means judging divine mercy as being small and not believing in God’s justice and power.
Presumption —This is when a person cultivates in his soul an idea of his perfection, which implies a feeling of pride. He believes his salvation has been guaranteed by what he has done.
Deliberate resistance to the known truth —When a person doesn’t accept the truths (dogmas) of the faith, even after an exhaustive doctrinal explanation, it is the sin of heresy. He considers his understanding to be greater than that of the Church and the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
Envy —This is a sentiment of discontent because someone else obtained something good, even if you already possess it or could obtain it someday. It is the act of not wanting something good for your neighbour. With this sin, I make myself the judge of the world. I am revolting against the Divine Will and rebelling against the law of love for one’s neighbour.
Obstinacy in sin is the firm will to continue in error even after receiving the light and help of the Holy Spirit. This is when a person creates his criteria for moral judgment, or simply does not adopt any morals at all, and in this way separates himself from God’s will and rejects salvation.
Final impenitence is the result of an entire life of rejecting God. This is when a person persists in error until the very end. It is the equivalent of consecrating oneself to the Devil. Even at the hour of death, such a person refuses to approach the Father with humility. He doesn’t open himself to the Holy Spirit’s invitation.
But if there are red flags, there are also green ones —things we do to attract the Holy Spirit and win His favour. They are:
Hope —The virtue of hope assures us that God is always in control, no matter how badly we fail Him.
Contrition —Admitting your sins feeling deep sorrow for them and committing yourself to avoid the occasions of sin is a sure path to salvation.
Docility —Acknowledging that I am limited in my knowledge and that God knows everything. This ensures that we are never in error and shall never fall or fail.
Humility —It is called the ‘Queen of all the virtues’ because a humble person knows their strengths and weaknesses and tries to learn from others to better themselves. A proud person is both blind and poor.
Receptivity —Being receptive to counsel and to correction ensures that you are never going to be in error for long. We remain in our sins because we have become gods unto ourselves. Opening yourself up to correction means there is always room for improvement.
Perseverance —It is highly unlikely that anyone sorry for their sins and open to correction will ever be lost. They will always be aware of their weaknesses and repent beforehand.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, deliver me from my sins and blindness to my fault…
Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me (Psalms 51:10).
Holy Spirit, let the thoughts of my mind and the content of my heart be pleasing to you and obtain for me your favour through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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