There is a certain wisdom which is not of this age or of the rulers of this age who are headed for destruction (1 Cor 2:6). If we do not have this wisdom, we will be so ultimately foolish as to crucify the Lord of glory (1 Cor 2:8; Heb 6:6). The only way to receive this wisdom is through the Holy Spirit.

The Lord requires us to have a holiness which surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 5:20). He even commands us to be holy as He is holy (1 Pt 1:16). We must not be angry with our brothers and sisters but reconciled (Mt 5:22-24). We must be sexually pure not only in deed but in thought (Mt 5:28ff). Our marriages and conversations are to be under Jesus' lordship (see Mt 5:32, 37). We must even love our enemies as Jesus loves them (Mt 5:44). Jesus expects us to meet the highest standards ever set for morality. We do this not by our power but only by the Spirit Who makes us holy (see Zec 4:6).

We need the Holy Spirit in order to be wise, holy, pure, and free. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot please God (see Rm 8:8-9). Therefore, repent and pray for the Spirit, Whom we have received in Baptism and Confirmation, to be stirred into flame (2 Tm 1:6-7). Come, Holy Spirit!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 23, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 1998