Several years ago I was in a Catholic Church in Lebanon attending Mass. It was beautiful and I could follow it pretty well, but I couldnāt understand anything being said. During the homily the priest could have said āyour pants are on fireā and I would have looked at him with a blank face. (unless they really were on fire, then I think I would have noticed.)
In these situations, where you donāt know the language, you really need an interpreterā¦ someone who can translate whatās being said into a language you can understand.
The Holy Spirit translates and teaches Godās words ā¦. so we can understand. Jesus says in John 16:13 that āthe Spirit of truth will guide them into all the truthā. St. Paul reminds us of this truth:
āGodĀ revealsĀ to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.Ā For what person knows a manās thoughts except the spirit of the man which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.Ā Ā Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.ā
1 Corinthians 2: 10-12
Itās clear in the Old and New Testament that the Holy Spirit communicates the riches of Godās heart to his people. He translates the depths and riches of Godās love to us.
So where does that leave us? Well, itās clear that we need the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us to think correctly and then empowers us to act correctly. The Holy Spirit has many titlesā¦ comforter, helper, advocate, intercessorā¦ translator.
āCome Holy Spiritāā¦. these words need to always be on our lips.
When we find ourselves in trouble, ask the Holy Spirit to help.
When we donāt understand whatās going on, let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us. When weāre confused or upset or angry or frustrated or depressedā¦ letās ask the Holy Spirit to help. Holy Spirit, help meā¦ show me what to do.
And the good news is that the Holy Spirit will help us.
Try it and see what happens. You will be pleasantly surprised.Ā
āCome Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.ā
This reflection is from Dave Touhill Sr.āsĀ blogposts.
Top image of a man reading the Bible is from Lightstock.com, stock photo ID: 105096. Used with permission. Quote from 1 Corinthians verse 12 added.
Dave Touhill served for many years as senior coordinator of theĀ People of Hope CommunityĀ in Newark, New Jersey, USA.
I love the Holy Spirit who is always ready and willing to help usālike a best friend. We are so privileged to know him. Heās changed my lifešš»