Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Come Holy Spirit, Renew the Creation

Rev. Manoj Idiculla

Carmel MTC, Boston

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Vs.21

 Tomorrow we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost comes fifty days after Easter and marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Pentecost is often called the “birthday” of the Church.  In this passage, we learn about how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples to strengthen them so that they could share His gospel message with others. We have received the gift of the Holy Spirit too, through our Baptism – and also during the sacrament of Confirmation.

 The mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost is an important event in the history of the church. The Fourth Gospel presents the most developed doctrine of Holy Spirit in the New Testament. The Spirit is presented in different contexts in this Gospel: firstly, the Spirit is mentioned in connection with Jesus’ baptism and ministry, where the Spirit is the Spirit of God or the Divine spirit. Secondly, in connection with worship (4:23-24) God is Spirit and true worship is to be in Spirit and truth. Thirdly, after the resurrection of Jesus, the Spirit comes as a person empowering the disciples for witnessing to the redemptive work of Christ. (mission) (20:21-22). “As the Father has sent me, so do I send you’’. *

 Rev. Dr. M. V. Abraham in his study about the Holy Spirit states that Holy Spirit or Paraklete performs primarily three functions.

1. The role of a judicial officer – He will convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgement (16:8-11)

2. The role of an interpreter – The Spirit will guide the disciples into all truth, he will take what Jesus has already taught and clarify it. (John 16:13-14)

3. Therapeutic function of the Holy Spirit (healing, comforting, counselling roles) 14:16, 26; 16:26

 The Spirit of God, which operated in the first creation, is now operating as the Holy Spirit in the new creation. Empowering of the Spirit is for mission and each one of us is called to fulfil the mission that God has entrusted us. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Courage, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord which help us to live according to God’s plan for us.  

PRAYER

Gracious Lord, empower us with the power of the Holy spirit to be witnesses of Your redemptive work. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Be a good witness by the way you live. The way we live is often more convincing than the words we say.” ― Billy Graham

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