Reflections on the Readings
January 31, 2016 - Year C
The 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dennis S. Hankins
Supernatural Love Inspires the Manifestations of the Spirit
Love never ends. So faith, hope and love abide. (1st Corinthians 13:13) Make love your aim. (1st Cor. 14:1)
The love Paul writes of is indulgent—generous, tolerant, forgiving, kindly, forbearing and compassionate. It is also
visceral,—it is deeply heartfelt. This is a picture of our God who is love; the God who first loved us in that while were yet sinners Christ died for us !
And God's love has been poured into our hearts by the holy Spirit which has been given to us; therefore, a sterile faith lacking good works is unthinkable. Paul's preaching was not in words alone, but his ministry was accompanied by the power and demonstration of the Spirit with signs and wonders. (Romans 15:19)
Quench not the Spirit is Paul's Admonition to the Church.
For to quench the Spirit is to miss an encounter with the merciful love of God. We should pray that God will use us to show his love, by inviting him to make us a blessing in the manifestations of the graces of the Spirit through us. This is not for self edification or importance, but rather to one is given to speak wisdom, to another is given knowledge, to another faith, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles by the same Spirit. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
All manifestations of the Spirit are an encounter with the supernatural, merciful love of God. For God is love, and his love and mercy bring healing and forgiveness!
Jesus is Risen, and his is the glorified body of Resurrection life so; therefore, we understand that he possesses the power of an endless and indestructible life.
Peter and John encountered the cripple at the Temple begging alms at the hour of prayer . Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong, and leaping, he stood and entered the Temple with Peter and John, walking and leaping and praising God. And all were amazed who witnessed this miracle.
Blessing, glory, and honor to him who has all authority in heaven and earth . Jesus is Lord! He is the one who loved us and gave himself for us so that we might have life more abundantly. Amen! May the Lord give us a lively and courageous faith, to give what we have, namely an outstretched hand of mercy, love, hope, and healing, in the mighty name of Jesus!
Reading through the book of Acts reveals an infant Church possessing a vibrant and intimate faith in Jesus. And Jesus confirmed their faith with signs following as they walked in the friendship of Jesus and in the fulness and comfort of the Holy Spirit. For the Spirit that raisedJesus from the dead dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)Amen !
Dennis Hankins is a parishioner at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, of the Diocese of Knoxville, TN. Prior to uniting with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil 2006, Dennis served as a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. E-mail Dennis at: dennishankins@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter: @dshankins or visit him at: www.dennishankins.com
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