Spirit and Life.   These two terms seem so basic to each of us.  They may even hold the “secret” to what we strive to reach throughout our very existence.   Yet what do they really mean?  How do we recognize spirit in a life when we see it and how can we manage to instill His spirit into our individual life.?  Today’s readings walk us through what God had in mind when He laid these two critical terms in front of us.

In our first reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans we are reminded that our spiritual journey must begin with an uncompromising belief in Jesus as Lord.  Some envision that one’s belief might be evident in our words.  However, Jesus reminds us that our belief must reach down into the very depth of our heart – the core of who we are.  With that faith foundation as our starting point, God can and will enrich and empower us in ways we could never have imagined.  God will actually use us to His glory.  His spirit producing a life with powerful truth that enables us to effectively preach His message.   Since we are so equipped, obviously the next step is to do something with that power and truth.  At the end of today’s first reading, Jesus clearly tells us that He is SENDING US out to all the earth to touch the lives of others.

Our Responsorial Psalm powerfully provides us with the truth we will need as “sent out” messengers of Jesus.  We are reminded that His law is perfect – refreshing to the soul, that it is trustworthy - giving wisdom to the simple,  that His judgements are true – always just,  that His precepts are right – providing joy to our heart, that His commands are clear – enlightening, and finally that  the fear of the Lord is pure – enduring forever.  Knowing these truths provides us with all that we will need.  His words actually are Spirit and Life – more precious then gold and sweeter than honey. 

What then are we to say in light of these amazing truths.  Receiving God’s incredible gift of  His Spirit produces a Life that is so much more than simply providing us with a warm fuzzing feeling.  It is more than just filling our life with peace and joy.  Today’s Alleluia and Gospel messages provide the simple, yet profound directive as to how we must respond – WE ARE TO BECOME FISHERS OF MEN.   This is not simply an abstract notion for Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Zebedee.  It was perhaps easy for them to understand as their whole life involved fishing.  That is how they made their living.  However, not so with most of us today.  Our busy lives often seem far removed from the simple life of a fisherman.  Yet, our Lord has indeed offered us His promise of a Spirit that produces a life that points to Jesus.  We simply need to grasp that path with all our heart, mind and soul.  We are clearly told why this is so important and we are provided with  the amazing truth that we simply must share.   Be amazed with all that God can do through you using your unwavering faith in Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father, a Life focused upon your glorious Spirit can be so incredibly powerful.  Open my heart to be ever aware of  that power and to have the courage to effectively use it to make a difference - to point others to you - to help them grasp the eternal peace and joy that can only be found through you.  Thank you  Father for your never ending love and guidance.  In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen