Filled with Holy Spirit 

                 – Br. Michael, ofm

 

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ – Luke 4.14-21

Jesus, the Anointed One

brings us good news

in the little ways of life,

in his word penetrating our living,

in our connections with one another.

 

Jesus, the Chain Breaker

proclaims release to us

declaring our sins are forgiven,

embracing us with dignity

honoring our worthiness.

 

Jesus, the Sight Giver

opens our eyes

to hope each day,

to the power of love,

to discover his beauty.

 

Jesus, the Freedom Architect

releases us from what is oppressive

with his endless mercy,

with his gentle peace,

with his life, death and resurrection.

 

Jesus, the Celebrating One

proclaims God’s favour in our lives

each day,

in all ways,

with much delight.

 

The Spirit of the Lord was indeed upon Jesus

and he has infused this Spirit in our living

calling us beloved,

showing us authentic living,

guiding us in relationship with God.

 

The power of the Spirit indeed filled Jesus

and is filling each of us;

let us be attentive to the promptings,

allowing holy wisdom to speak

so that in turn we move and act with the Spirit.

 

Jesus,

“filled with the power of the Holy Spirit”

help us to see that we too are filled with your Spirit

for we are vessels of you

bearing good news,

living freely in you,

seeing with clear vision,

releasing our burdens,

proclaiming your goodness and mercy

all the days of our life.

Amen.

Photo Credit: Hasan Almasi