The Holy Spirit is the Fountain of Life

St Paul teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the Fountain of new life, and, that by His gifts He transfers us from the slavery of sin to the liberty of the children of the Heavenly Father: "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death." (Rm 8:2). He speaks also about the new birth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit: "he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) and he reminds the baptized that they have been made holy and justified by the Spirit: "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God (1 Cor 6:11).

The Holy Spirit comes from on high, enters deep within our hearts and dwells there so that we are revitalised and our lives renewed. The Apostle, Paul, prays that God will support us by the Holy Spirit and strengthen our lives: "hat according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man." (Eph 3:16).

"And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances" (Ez 36:16) This prophecy will be fulfilled in each of us in these times because the Holy Spirit works within us. He bestows upon us both power and freedom that our lives will be in harmony with the Law of God – and, all who are guided by Spirit of God are the children of God. (Rm 8:14)

In today's Epistle (Col 3:12-16), Paul speaks of how to build up our true selves – however, the building must be on firm foundations, especially against the times of troubles, for then the Lord will reveal our works. Paul warns us that we should not corrupt our bodies with worldly concerns because our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Issam John Darwish BSO, DD
Eparch

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