ready or not?
"Do you love Me?" —John 21:15, 16, 17
As we near Pentecost, the questions loom: "Am I ready to receive the Holy Spirit in fullness? Am I ready to renew my Baptism and Confirmation? Am I ready to receive and to help others receive new Pentecosts?"
If we see signs of the miracle of unselfishness in our lives, we are probably ready for the Holy Spirit of Pentecost. If we are more concerned about feeding the sheep than feeding ourselves (see Jn 21:17), we are probably on the threshold of a new Pentecost. If we are willing to go not where we want but where others lead us (see Jn 21:18), we may be unselfish enough to receive the Holy Spirit on His terms.
The Holy Spirit wants to come to us — but not to take orders from us or to do our wills. Why should the all-holy, all-knowing, and all-loving Third Person of the Trinity take orders from His finite, fallen, and sinful creatures? However, if we die to ourselves, we can live in the Spirit (see Catechism, 736).
By the grace of God, become increasingly concerned about other people's problems, needs, and Pentecosts. Then you are ready to receive the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, may I live no longer for myself but for You (see 2 Cor 5:15).
Promise: "(What He said indicated the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God.) When Jesus had finished speaking He said to him, 'Follow Me.' " —Jn 21:19
Praise: Without asking for it or expecting it, Carol began praising the Lord in tongues. Soon after, she received several additional gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Don't Stifle the Spirit on audio AV 56-3 or video V-56.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, October 9, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 14, 2003