GOSPEL: JOHN 20:19-23
FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD
Dear Friends,
The Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples who had gathered in Jerusalem as Jesus had instructed, not simply to remind them that he was still with them, but for the purpose of empowering and equipping them to be witnesses to the grace of Jesus Christ and His saving love.
Today, we live in a divided world of broken nations, economics, politics, religions, cultures, languages and differences. Through the conduit of our wisdom, fortitude, knowledge, piety, counsel, understanding and fear of the Lord, we want to let this fire of love burn away the darkness of hatred, racism, division, violence, terrorism, war, injustices and inhumane activities in our homes and work places.
The Holy Spirit is alive in the Church and in our midst. The Holy Spirit is like a Fire in us, burning with love. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, the “Divine Attorney” is with us. The Holy Spirit is in the midst of our daily challenges. The Spirit fights for us. The Spirit keeps us in the state of grace. The Holy Spirit brings us His gifts and enables us to love God and our neighbors joyfully. With the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish a great deal. We can move mountains. We can love. We can forgive. We can build. We can transform the face of the earth with love, kindness, forbearance, unity and gentleness.
The fire of the Holy Spirit that is given to us on Pentecost comes in different ways—It advocates for us, protects us, strengthens us and sanctifies us as individuals, in order to make us holy and forgiving to our neighbors. We become imitators of Christ, but that we may also share these different gifts with the world (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Whatever our gifts are: prophecy, legislating, dancing, advising, preaching, speaking, teaching, entertaining, singing, governing, we want to use it for the common good, to kindle the face of the earth through Love (CARITAS).
Let us fan into flame the gift of God, that the face of the earth may be renewed!
May God Bless You.
Rev. Frank Kyazze Lwanga
