Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops
One of my favorite quotes is from St. Catherine of Sienna: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” This came to mind as I read and reflected on today’s readings. One of the greatest challenges that I face in living out my Christian faith is believing that God created me in a unique way with a special calling. I also fail to recognize that the only way I can be who I should be is through the grace of His Spirit. Recently, I was in several different circumstances surrounded by people who were talented, engaging and fun-loving. Many people commented about these individuals, and I found myself thinking, “This is how I should be!” After further prayer and reflection, I realized that desiring to be someone else denies the goodness and gifts that God has given to each of us individually. In order for these particular graces to be ignited, I think the Holy Spirit must be active in all that we think, say and do. God’s Spirit gives us the wisdom to discern who we are, what our gifts are, and how we should act. But more importantly, it is His Spirit that gives us the courage to go forth with his power and “set the world on fire”.
In today’s reading, St. Paul reminds Timothy (and all of us) that God has given us a Spirit of power, love and self control. It is this Spirit that allows Timothy to bear the hardship of the Gospel and all the challenges that he faces. But Paul also recognizes that sometimes toils, frustrations, and worldly worries can suppress that Spirit’s movement. He therefore encourages Timothy to “stir into flame” the gift of the Spirit. Even Jesus states of the importance of the Spirit work in our lives and in the world. Jesus states to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is a sin of great significance. When we do not respect or acknowledge the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the world, we prevent God’s power and love from flowing through us. Without the Holy Spirit the kingdom of God cannot be established, and without the Holy Spirit we cannot give God glory and praise.
I find it helpful to put these difficult concepts into ideas that are more tangible. When I think about the Holy Spirit in my life I am reminded of a kerosene lantern. God created me (the lantern) but it is the oil (the Holy Spirit) that must burn within me to give the light and heat that the lantern provides to the environment. I have the control (my free will) to allow me to turn up or down the flow of the gas (Spirit) into the lantern and therefore, I can affect the light and heat that I provide. The worldly voices of materialism, individualism, pride, envy, and being judgmental dim the glow of the light to merely a flicker.
As I reflect on how I can and should allow the Spirit in my life, there are several thoughts that help me on my journey: mindfulness, surrender and obedience. In order for the Spirit to be alive in me, I must be mindful on a regular basis of His presence. This starts with daily prayer, but also should include many opportunities during the day to raise my attention to His guidance. I must then be willing and able to surrender to what I hear I am called to do, and obediently follow. This is something that requires regular practice and trust. As I look back on the times when I believe I listened, heard and followed the lead of the Spirit, I can see that these experiences were the opportunities in which my light shined more fully. These are not always easy things to do, and in fact sometimes these decisions go against what we may prefer doing. But if we can have faith in God’s plan for us, by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us, we are able to use the unique gifts and talents that God has specially bestowed on us to serve others and Him. As I think about the world and all the darkness I see so much evil, hatred, violence, poverty, and sin. If more and more people could be filled with the grace of the Spirit and allow His light to shine through them, then I hope and believe that we could truly “set the world on fire.”
"Heavenly Father, You sent your Spirit down and created the world. You also sent Your Son, Jesus, to bring us Your love and salvation. May we be open and accepting of the Spirit in our lives, so we can become who you created us to be. Through His power and grace help us to be lights to the world, so we can be like Jesus and bring You glory and praise. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen.
Marylynn Herchline