Jan Parker has written a wonderful meditation to help us get ready for Pentecost and it’s now available on the website. Here’s an excerpt:
What happens when we pray, “Come, Holy Spirit?” Nothing – unless our hearts are worthy to receive! St Cyril of Jerusalem said, “Like a dry tree which puts forth shoots when watered, the soul bears the fruits of holiness when repentance has made it worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit.” Yes, the Holy Spirit is necessary to produce the fruits, but repentance is necessary to receive the Holy Spirit! What does this mean for Franciscans? In a word – conversion!
Yes, I believe the Holy Spirit enters ones being, when one is in need of Its power; especially to heal us. This is a witness of this activity of the Godhead. It becomes a light in ones hour of darkness.
Jan, thanks for rockin’ it out with the quote from St. Cyril of Jerusalem. We need to continually re-direct our gaze to the basics of our faith.