The Spirit dwells in you

Do you not know that you are a temple of God 
​and 
that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor. 3:16)

So how literally are we to take this bold proclamation made by St. Paul to the Corinthian church? The answer to that question isn’t found in one place, it is the living expression of all of Scripture! Jesus declares, “You have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you” (1 John 2:27), and the witness of the Apostles in the Book of Acts is a witness to that truth.

The personal indwelling of the infinite, eternal Holy Spirit in the believer is such an amazing blessing and privilege that the mind never wholly grasps it. Sadly, the daily succession of joys, sorrows, temptations and trials produces various reactions in us often without stirring our awareness that God is in residence. How would those events have changed if the Holy Spirit was invited to actively participate? 

It is a divine paradox, and a blessed one, that it is the same Holy Spirit who is helping us to be aware that the Holy Spirit is helping us! We recognize the hand of God by the hand of God! This is part of the divine circle of love. How wonderful and loving is God to care so much for us. One of the greatest joys of life is being aware that God is present in the moment as our companion, teacher, and guide.

We are now in the liturgical season of Pentecost—“Ordinary Time,” or the “Long Green Season,” as it is referred to. Liturgical Green reflects creation itself and the creation event of Genesis 1. “Ordinary Time” reminds us that the presence of God—the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—is a common, usual, constant, regular, ORDINARY reality in the life of the believer.

Since the reality of the Holy Spirit acting in your life is an eternal truth, begin each day by giving each new moment to God (it is His anyway!). Be consciously aware and actively present with God through what ever the day brings, and what the day will bring is the presence of God! Seeking God first and making God first will fill you with the blessing of joy and peace that our Lord promised you. 

Do you not know that you are a temple of God 
and 
that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

Yes, Lord God! Come Holy Spirit, Come! That I may be wholly yours!
​
Fr. Bill+