How to live in the Spirit (Sunday homily)

 Let’s talk about what you and I heard Saint Paul say: 

we are “not in the flesh…(we) are in the Spirit.” 

What does this mean?

It means, first that when we were baptized, 

the Holy Spirit was given to each of us. 

God dwells in you and me!

This relationship with God is damaged by sin; 

mortal sin is called that because it “kills,” or severs, the connection.

The sacrament of confession is the normal way we revive it,

giving us the newness we received first in baptism.

When we think of the Holy Spirit, we might think of confirmation.

That sacrament can’t be understood without connection to baptism.

In a sense, confirmation is “part two” of baptism, 

“sealing” in us the Gift of the Holy Spirit – 

which is what the bishop says as he anoints us with chrism.

But let’s think about this more broadly. 

What does it mean to say the Holy Spirit is in our life. 

Or, to use Paul’s way of saying it, 

you and I are in the life of the Holy Spirit?

How is that different from being “in the flesh”?

It’s confusing, because all of us are always “in the flesh,” right?

Indeed, some of us – ahem! – are especially fleshy!

The answer is this: who is in charge?

Is my body and its appetites in charge, or is the Holy Spirit in charge?

This isn’t a matter of flipping a switch – oh, if only it were so easy!

It’s a matter of habit, and cultivating a new way of living.

One benefit of including penance and self-denial in our lives – 

not just in Lent, but throughout the year – 

is precisely to grow in our ability to master our appetites and impulses, 

instead of them mastering us.

But it isn’t just self-denial, it’s far more a matter of prayer.

And I mean both the practice of regular forms of prayer – 

morning prayers, the Rosary or Divine Mercy chaplet, 

or spiritual reading – 

as well as a certain mindset that comes from prayer.

Praying regularly does (at least) two powerful things.

First, of course, it opens us up to God and his help.

Second, it trains us to develop a different way of seeing and reacting.

It’s not easy to describe, but we all know it when we see it:

Someone who keeps her head while everyone is losing theirs.

The calm that comes from remembering God is in control, 

and that in the long run, God’s Kingdom will prevail.

There is a peace that comes, not from soothing music or a video game, 

or an adult beverage, or even from our favorite chair, but rather,

from knowing that, in addition to being in Miami Township/Springboro,

more importantly, you are right where God wants you,

wherever you are, whatever is happening.

Living in the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean you become an oracle. 

Most people don’t respond well when you say, “God told me to tell you…”

Nor does it mean that everything goes perfectly.

What living in the Holy Spirit means 

is you and I learning to let him be in charge. 

Sometimes he softens our hearts; other times, he hardens our resolve.

Sometimes he makes us bold to speak; or he helps us bite our tongue.

The same Spirit will help us discipline our spending, 

and then prompt us to be prodigal in sharing our goods with others.

If you want this life in the Spirit – and why wouldn’t you? – then ask.

But believe me when I say, there is no short-cut.

First comes our own resolve – really wanting it;

Then comes living that resolve by daily choices, prayer and self-denial.

I repeat again my invitation to confession: 

this sacrament is the mega-dose of heart-softening.

And when I say, “ask” I mean, again and again, with daily prayer.

Sometimes we say, oh, I will start praying when I have time.

Daily prayer isn’t out of reach for anyone.

Even a few minutes at the beginning, 

a few moments – pauses – through the day, 

and a few minutes at the end, will bring great fruit.

If you want Life in the Spirit, ASK.