hide, or seek the spirit
"Jesus said to His disciples, 'Pay close attention to what I tell you: the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of men.' " —Luke 9:44
Jesus told His disciples that He would be betrayed and even suffer the agony of crucifixion (see Lk 9:22). When we hear overwhelming news, we naturally feel like running away from reality. Thus, the apostles "were afraid to question Him about the matter" (Lk 9:45).
However, Jesus gave to His first disciples, and His disciples today, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is another Paraclete, Who comes to our side to comfort us and help us face reality (see Jn 14:26). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, Who lives within us and will always be there for us (Jn 14:17). With and in the Holy Spirit, we can face the reality of pain, rejection, persecution, and even death. In the Spirit, we will rise victorious (Rm 8:11) and live forever in the ultimate reality of seeing Jesus face to face in heaven. We can rejoice, come what may, when we pray: "Come, Holy Spirit!"
Prayer: Father, I believe that You work to the good even in the most difficult aspects of reality (see Rm 8:28).
Promise: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come." —Eccl 12:1
Praise: Being the cause of much controversy and animosity, St. Jerome went to Bethlehem resolving to make a new start. There he lived out his life teaching, writing, and studying. He died in the town in which his Savior was born.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, March 8, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 9, 2000