how dry i am
“How dry they were!” —Ezekiel 37:2
Are you feeling spiritually dry? Do you feel that God is looking at your life and saying, “How dry you are!”? At one time in my life I was constantly surrounded by spirit-filled people, but I felt so dry and far from the Holy Spirit that I received in Baptism and Confirmation. I had given up hope of ever receiving His fullness. I was spiritually dry and I desperately needed living water (Jn 4:14). However, my life was fulfilling the expression: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” I wanted the Spirit and a few of His gifts, but I didn’t want the Spirit to run my life.
“It is the Spirit that gives life” (Jn 6:63; Ez 37:5). It’s the Holy Spirit that gives the ability to love God and neighbor with our all (Mt 22:37). I knew these truths, but I only wanted the Spirit to give me a half-life, not life to the full (Jn 10:10). I wanted new life, but didn’t want a new lifestyle (see Mk 2:21-22).
For years, God soaked me with His sweet love through the Mass and the Holy Bible. Eventually, I came to Jesus and begged Him to immerse me in the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:37-38; Mk 1:8), even if I had to change my entire life (see Mt 13:44). I received the Holy Spirit in a deeper, life-changing way and was stunned to discover that I loved this new lifestyle.
Repent of stifling or saddening the Spirit, whether intentionally or unknowingly (1 Thes 5:19; Eph 4:30). Let God pour out His love in your heart through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22).
Prayer: Jesus, You lavish the Church with unrationed outpourings of the Spirit (Ti 3:6; Jn 3:34). May we seek the Holy Spirit in a manner worthy of the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity.
Promise: “I have promised, and I will do it, says the Lord.”—Ez 37:14
Praise: St. Rose of Lima, fortified by years of prayer and penance, reached out to care for the needy, both young and old.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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