Eastern Africa Dominican Friars

May 15, 2012

Tuesday in the 6^th week of Easter

Saint for the day: St. Isidore the Farmer (1070-1130)

Scripture readings for today's liturgy:

Acts 16:22-34

Psalm 138

John 16:5-11

“Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of you faithful and re-create in them the Fire of our Love.”

In these waning days of Eastertide the Gospels that we are hearing are preparing the early Church and us to be open to the Spirit of God. The Comforter. The Consoler. The Creator and Re-creator of all that is. All the joys that the disciples and followers of Jesus experienced in being with the Risen Christ are coming to a turning point. “I am going to the Father that the Holy Spirit might come to you and inflame your hearts with the fire of God’s Love.”

In the early days after the resurrection those who experienced the Risen Jesus admonished, “Do not cling to me!” He said this, not to be ‘stand-offish’ but to prepare them for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit who will re-create their lives and empower them to continue spreading the faith to the ends of the world.

When the Angel came to Mary and told her that she was to become the Mother of God she said, “How can this me …” and the Angel said, “The Power of the Most High will overshadow you and bring about a new creation that you never thought possible.

I’ve often said that God is smarter than you and me and He certainly could have made it that the Glorified Jesus would remain forever in our presence forever. But then, that would have been like an over-burdening teacher or parent – always standing behind us prodding us along. We would never be able to be open to the re-creative power of the Holy Spirit. God didn’t create us to be robots but to be his disciples who go out spreading His Love to all we meet. Remember, “It is I who loved you first” – You did not choose me. I chose you to go OUT and bear fruit. Fruit that will last.” Amen!

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