< <  

Friday, August 19, 2016

  > >

St. John Eudes


Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 107:2-9
Matthew 22:34-40

View Readings
Similar Reflections

how dry i am

"How dry they were!" —Ezekiel 37:2

Are you feeling spiritually dry? Do you feel that God is looking at your life and saying, "How dry you are"? At one time in my life I was constantly surrounded by spirit-filled people, but felt so dry and far from the Spirit that I'd given up hope of ever receiving His fullness (Jn 5:5ff). I was spiritually dry and I desperately needed living water (Jn 4:14). However, my life was fulfilling the saying: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." I wanted the Spirit and a few of His gifts, but I didn't want the Spirit to run my life.

"It is the Spirit that gives life" (Jn 6:63; Ez 37:5). It's the Holy Spirit that gives the ability to love God and neighbor with our all (Mt 22:37). I knew these truths, but I only wanted the Spirit to give me a half-life, not life to the full (Jn 10:10). I wanted new life, but didn't want a new lifestyle (see Mk 2:21-22).

For years, God soaked me with His sweet love through the Mass and the Bible. Eventually, I came to Jesus and begged Him to immerse me in the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:37-38; Mk 1:8), even if I had to change my entire life (see Mt 13:44). I received the Holy Spirit and was stunned to discover that I loved this new lifestyle.

Repent of stifling or saddening the Spirit, whether intentionally or unknowingly (1 Thes 5:19; Eph 4:30). Let God pour out His love in your heart through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22).

Prayer:  Jesus, You lavish the Church with unrationed outpourings of the Spirit (Ti 3:6; Jn 3:34). May we receive the Holy Spirit in a manner worthy of the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Promise:  "I have promised, and I will do it."—Ez 37:14

Praise:  St. John Eudes made a vow of chastity at the age of fourteen. He promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - the remedy for all spiritual dryness.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.