“Now is the Spirit’s Time–IF” by Sr. Mary David Hydo, OSB

I had a friend who, as a child thought the Holy Spirit a kind of Casper, the friendly Ghost. The Spirit is the sort of forgotten person of the Trinity. Yet the Spirit is the ever-present, in-dwelling of God. We use many names to try to understand–but like every person the Spirit is a Mystery–all we can do is keep learning/loving this Comforter.

“IF the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then God will also give life to your mortal bodies thru His Spirit living in you.” Rom. 8:11

This passage from the Letter to the Romans is a promise of eternal life-- in a time in some distant future. But the IF of the passage, “IF the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you...” helps us see it is also speaking of NOW.

The Spirit lives in us Now IF we give space/control to God,

If we Live by the Spirit –letting our self be led by Spirit
and; If we lead a life pleasing to God

Baptism was the beginning of our life in the Spirit. The Spirit makes us New–but we want everything done to our old standards. We must let go of our need to control time, and let the Holy Spirit make us New so we can Grow/Change.

We are called not to fear or slavery, but to Adoption–we can call God “Abba”-- Father–or a better translation, “Daddy” -that strong, tender, caring, protector who wants only our good and is willing to die for love of us.

Before the glory of the resurrection, however, comes the trials of discipleship; we must struggle to Grow:

to see the goodness of God in self, others, and situations;

to stand firm in our faith;

to not just be good, but to do good–to think in our daily life--WWJD?

What would Jesus do? Or not do?

IF we struggle and Grow through these trials of discipleship we are, Paul tells us, “heirs with Christ Provided (ie. IF) we suffer with him and so can also be glorified with him.” We can’t do anything without God’s help. It is the Holy Spirit who strengthens us, prays in us, Hopes in us, enriches us with His gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Goodness...

I’ve said it often to myself and to others “This life is not meant to last forever. We’re in Training for heaven and eternal life NOW” If we don’t practice Love, forgiveness, sharing/caring now, how will we ever do it later?

What do you need to Practice now so you’ll be ready to enjoy heaven/eternal life?

Ask the Holy Spirit to be your Trainer–to guide your discipline, to help you see with Jesus’ eyes, understand with humility, grow through struggle into a whole/holy person, and to bear fruit for the Kin.dom. (I use that term because I like it better than Kingdom. Kingdom reminds us we are in this together-- we are all God’s children, brothers and sisters to each other.)

Christ is the Vine, the Spirit is the Life in us, the branches.

The Spirit speaks through St. Benedict when he says, “IF we wish to reach eternal life...then while there is still time...we must run and do now what will profit us forever.”

~ Holy Rule Prologue 42-44

IF you want to grow with us, contact:
Sr. Mary David Hydro:

call (352) 588-8320 or check out our
website at: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

May the Spirit bless you! May you bear in abundance the fruits of the Spirit in your life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control. Gal. 5:22f