Most of us reading this reflection are baptized and confirmed Catholics. We went to Mass today and possibly have been praying the Pentecost novena for the past nine days in imitation of the very first Novena ever prayed (see Acts 1:4; 2:1). We may have heard a great homily today about how not to "stifle the Spirit" (1 Thes 5:19). However, it's likely that most of you probably weren't preached to about being totally docile to the Holy Spirit. We might have been asked today: "How are you using your spiritual gifts to advance the Kingdom of God?" If, however, you are lord of your workload, and not a worker for the Lord, your gifts and works won't bear much fruit.

Being docile to the Holy Spirit means that we are seeking the Lord of the work, not just seeking the work of the Lord. Being docile means that we aren't working on too many things for God, because the devil often tempts us with too many good things, in an effort to prevent us from focusing on that main thing God has called us to do.

Stop, drop everything, and listen to that soft voice of the Holy Spirit. "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22). Respond to His urgings. Ask the Lord to reveal that main thing He wants you to do today. Write it down. Discern it. Ask advice of other believers. Live it out.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 2, 2014

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.