Day 12 – Gentleness and Self Control
The Holy Spirit is our gift from the Father as Jesus affirms in John 14:16 “And I will ask the father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always will be with you”. By virtue of our confirmation, we have received these gifts as well enounced in the book of Isaiah. “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2). The reality of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us is a power that enables us to bear fruits. Everyday, during these thirty days, I invite you to invoke all the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to lead a better Christian life. Let’s do this every day and allow the three of the gifts to yield the various fruits.
Today, I would like us to ponder and pray for self-control and kindness. St James advises everyone to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Isn’t that so important to ask for the spirit of self-control, patience or kindness for concrete situations of our life. When we stand in queues at post offices, shopping or while sometimes driving in heavy traffic, expectant results in any area of life. Instead of the usual anger that characterizes our daily reactions, we pray for the spirit of self-control and love.
In his first letter, St John explains this love exactly means, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John3:16). The Holy Spirit is indispensable in this process dying for others. It is only the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to put others first and this must include all categories of people.
Exercise: Spend some minutes in conversation with the Holy Spirit – speak to Him about your weaknesses to control yourself and let go of your self-centeredness!
Prayer: Father in heaven, your word in 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that, you had not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and self-control, let your spiritual power run over me now and give control over my senses. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
.In the Book of Proverbs 16:32, Solomon speaks wisdom when he said, One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And one who rules his spirit, than one who captures a city. Lord, I speak these words of Salomon over my life, in the name of Jesus! Amen.
In the letter to the Ephesians 4:31-32. St. Paul is inviting us to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, give kindness and compassion to my heart; May I have a forgiving spirit, just as Christ Jesus my Lord and my God.
Hail Mary 3 X …
Come Holy Spirit… Fill the heart of the faithful. Come Holy Spirit, fill us with your gifts.
Fr. Georges R. BIDZOGO SAC
Remember I am praying for you and within this period!