Last week, we reviewed the Pope’s audience discussing why, what, and how to proclaim based on the first disciples.
This article will consider the February 22, 2023, audience on the protagonist of the proclamation, the Holy Spirit.
The Pope begins by reflecting on the very verse that is the inspiration of the Go Make Disciples initiative, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19).
The word ‘‘Go’’ is not followed by instructions to indoctrinate or proselytize, but to Baptize.
To Baptize means to immerse, and we must immerse ourselves in all three persons the Trinity.
We cannot neglect the Holy Spirit.
Pope Franics says, “The proclamation of the Gospel, therefore, is only realized in the power of the Spirit, who precedes the missionaries and prepares hearts: He is “the engine of evangelization”.
With this in mind, the Pope dives into the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church by examining the Council of Jerusalem.
Then, he talks about the role of the Holy Spirit in our own lives.
The Holy Spirit in the Church
Similar to today, tribulations were not lacking in the early Church.
There were questions and disagreements on how to approach new dilemmas.
In a case seen in the Acts of the Apostles, the Church was grappling with how to deal with pagans who came to the faith and whether they must subscribe to Mosaic law.
Two groups formed on this question.
In response, the Apostles gathered at the Council of Jerusalem to discern.
One may suppose they settled on a compromise, relying on their combined knowledge to come to a consensus to please the parties involved.
However, they choose to turn to and adapt to the works of the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, they communicate the final decisions ‘‘by the Holy Spirit with us’’ (Acts 15:28).
Despite having different opinions, they listened to the Holy Spirit, and then communicated in unity with each other.
The Pope said, “The Church, if she does not pray to Him and invoke Him, she closes in on herself, in sterile and exhausting debates, in wearisome polarisations, while the flame of mission is extinguished”.
Ideology vs. the Gospel
In both our discernment and proclamation, it is crucial to remember that the Gospel is not an idea or ideology.
Pope Francis taught that, “Everything in the Church must be conformed to the requirements of the proclamation of the Gospel; not the opinions of conservatives or progressives”.
He continues to say that, “The Gospel is a proclamation that touches the heart and makes you change your heart, but if you take refuge in an idea, in an ideology, whether right or left or center, you are making the Gospel a political party, an ideology, a club of people”.
Starting from our own ideals rather than those of God leads to divisiveness and destruction.
Amidst the trials, tumult, and turmoil of our times, we must “allow ourselves to be carried forward by the Spirit”.
The Spirit is what enlightens the Church.
The Holy Spirit in our lives
As we have seen, it is necessary to invoke the Holy Spirit often.
This brings clarity, and helps to distinguish and discern our paths.
Pope Francis said, “Without the Spirit, everything remains soulless”.
The Holy Spirit gives us life.
He is what makes us go forth, what propels us to proclaim the faith, and what moves us to go on mission to rediscover who we are.
Consolation and desolation
Cardinal C.M. Martini, an Italian Jesuit, and Biblical scholar, advises that while it is important and often helpful in pastoral planning to start from analyses, sociological surveys, and lists, it is far more important to start from experiences of the Spirit.
He further teaches on the Ignatian principle of the primacy of consolation over desolation in the spiritual life.
Dwelling in a state of consolation means moving toward God’s active presence in the world.
This produces growth of love, mercy, and other gifts and charisms from the Holy Spirit.
Conversely, dwelling in a state of desolation involves a person moving away from God’s active presence, whether by resisting Him or seeking satisfaction and pleasure elsewhere.
A state of desolation is marked by increasing tendencies toward resentment, selfishness, negative feelings toward ourselves and others, isolation, and fear.
People may seek to alleviate this growing discomfort through distractions like media, work, or social events or by turning to various addictions.
Notably, being in a state of consolation does not mean you are constantly happy or at peace.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in you likely will mean overcoming challenges and obstacles as well as facing negative pressures from the world.
Nevertheless, you experience the movement toward God as life-giving, providing revival and hope.
We will find ourselves becoming more kind to others and more fulfilled in our lives.
Even in darkness, the Spirit of consolation can guide us.
Ask yourself today, do I pray to the Holy Spirit?
Am I asking Him to fill my life and direct my thoughts, actions, and desires?
Use this Lent to identify what is drawing you away from God, and take a moment right now to invite the Holy Spirit into your life.
Continue to do so, and you will see the Spirit bear great fruit.