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Sunday, May 16, 2004

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Sixth Sunday of Easter


Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
Psalm 67
John 14:23-29

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decisions, decisions, decisions

"It is the decision of the Holy Spirit, and ours too." —Acts 15:28

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete Who comes to our aid, would guide us to all truth (Jn 16:13). By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can make decisions which will prove miraculously wise and farsighted (see Acts 15:28ff). The Lord has promised: "I will answer you; I will tell you things great beyond reach of your knowledge" (Jer 33:3).

To make great decisions, we need to be well aware of the eternal context of all decisions. We also need to be able to know the future or know someone who knows the future. Finally, we must know all the relevant information. For important decisions, this means knowing the past, the present, and the hearts of the people involved in our decisions.

Obviously, you would have to be the all-knowing God to know what is necessary to make right decisions. The Holy Spirit is God (2 Cor 3:18). He can teach us everything (Jn 14:26) because He knows everything.

We can make repeated bad decisions throughout life, and even make the ultimate bad decision and go to hell. We can then make excuses forever for our bad decisions. Alternately, we can be docile to the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer:  Father, may many people become Christians when they see the excellence of my decisions.

Promise:  "Anyone who loves Me will be true to My word, and My Father will love him; We will come to him and make Our dwelling place with him." —Jn 14:23

Praise:  Praise Abba Who is Love, Jesus Who is our risen Lord, and the Holy Spirit of truth! Alleluia forever!

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Power in the Spirit on audio AV 64-1 or video V-64.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, October 9, 2003


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 14, 2003