Stay at My Home

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home,” and she prevailed on us.  Acts 16:14-15

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. John 15:26-27

Piety

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Study

Since the Resurrection, Jesus has stayed with his friends.  Now, he is preparing them for another parting.  Jesus knows they want him to stay – like the men on the road to Emmaus.  Knowing Jesus cannot stay, he promises the next best option.  He promises that the Spirit will be with them always.

Baptism and Confirmation are one-time offerings of love poured out in the symbolic water and oil for our initiation.  However, we can relive our initiation through the perpetual invitation to share in Eucharist and Reconciliation – these sacraments offered as ways to strengthen the bond between Jesus and us.  On a daily basis, we are welcomed to sit at a dinner served in his honor. When we eat there, he stays with us and we stay with Jesus.  The food served in our “group reunion” with Jesus in spirit strengthens us for the journey ahead.

Action

Jesus offers many ways to stay with us in Spirit.  However, the world offers many ways to keep us apart or to tear us away from the relationship.  There are obstacles at every corner that put up roadblocks to the invitation of friendship and grace. 

What is your biggest obstacle today?  Pride?  Envy?  Anger?  Indulgence?  Greed?  Misplaced Love?  Weakness in mind or body?    If you consider yourself a believer, ask for the fortitude to overcome your obstacles so that the Lord will stay at your home.