August 15, 2008
Assumption
Rev 11: 19a; 12, 1-6a, 10ab; 1 Cor 15: 20-27; Luke1: 39-56
Dc. Larry Brockman
Filled with the Holy Spirit! Today’s gospel speaks of two women filled with the Holy Spirit- Mary and Elizabeth. What does that mean? Does it just mean an exuberance of spirit, an enthusiastic spirit? For surely, Elizabeth and Mary seemed exuberant over their meeting.Â
No, there is much more to being filled with the Holy Spirit than exuberance as both women demonstrate in the gospel. Clearly, both women are filled with Wisdom, that special feeling of knowledge and focus that only the Spirit of God can provide. That’s why Elizabeth could recognize Mary as the mother of her Lord; that’s why Mary could foresee her role in salvation history as she proclaims the wonderful words of the Magnificat, because both of these women were filled with the Holy Spirit.Â
That’s what the Holy Spirit can do for you, too. When you are filled with God’s Spirit, you will be filled with a spirit of knowing, of discernment; of energy, and of focus. It’s the thing that really gives meaning to your life, to actually be moved by the will of God for you.Â
Now even though you may be filled with the Spirit, and you will feel joy, you will also face a battle, just like the battle described in Revelation this morning. Because the thing the devil abhors the most is when God’s people are filled with the Spirit, and moved to do God’s will. Surely, you will be tested, and could be swept away- a third of the stars. But hold firm; because the reward is everlasting happiness. Paul describes that reward- the resurrection from the dead for all of us and a life forever free from all enemies and evil.Â
When we celebrate the feast of the Assumption, we are celebrating what the future holds for us. Mary was the first of humanity to experience the kingdom of Heaven, body and soul intact. For the rest of us who fight the good fight, it is our hope and our calling.Â