Monday 2nd week of Easter
"Jn 3:1-8"
Jesus answered to Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
The reference to water and the spirit here becomes the official presentation of the Sacrament of Baptism. St John the Baptist declared, 'I baptise with water,' and the Messiah will baptise 'with the Holy Spirit.' Water, then, is now no longer enough.
The Holy Spirit is brought to our attention in a special way during Eastertide. The Risen Jesus is preparing everything to entrust His Church to the care of the Holy Spirit. And now, the Holy Spirit is at work. You don’t see Him, as you don't see the wind, but you see His effects. St John XXIII said: "The saints are the masterpieces of the Holy Spirit." Those who have been baptised with water have the Holy Spirit at work inside them.
On Tuesday November 8 1932, St Josemaría's spiritual director told him: "Make friends with the Holy Spirit. Don't speak: listen to him." That was a new discovery. "Until now I knew that the Holy Spirit was dwelling in my soul to sanctify it," St Josemaría wrote later that day, "but I hadn't really grasped this truth about his presence. I feel the Holy Spirit's Love within me, and I want to talk to him, to be his friend, to confide in him. I want to facilitate his work of polishing, uprooting, and enkindling. I wouldn't know how to set about it. He will give me strength. He will do everything, if I so want. And I do want! Divine Guest, Master, Light, Guide, Love, may I make you truly welcome inside me and listen to the lessons you teach me. Make me burn with eagerness for you, make me follow you and love you. Resolution: to 'keep up', without interruption as far as I can, a loving and docile friendship and conversation with the Holy Spirit. Veni Sancte Spiritus!... Come, Holy Spirit!" (St Josemaría).
Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, help me to remain faithful to my resolution.
