The First Reading we hear today from the Old Testament Book of Proverbs begins: Thus says the wisdom of God: “The Lord possessed me…” This first phrase in that reading struck me—especially on the heels of having celebrated Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit! What is possession, really? I looked in Webster’s and found this: the act of having or taking in control; domination by something (as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea); a psychological state in which an individual’s normal personality is replaced by another—you get the idea…
So, what should our lives be like having been possessed by the Lord/the Holy Spirit? What if we were possessed by a passion for the Lord?
Just think about all that is brought to us by the Holy Spirit—wisdom, self-control, counsel (understanding), fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear (awe) of the Lord. To be consciously possessed by the Lord would mean we would be a people of love, justice and mercy. We would be strong in the face of our trials and tribulations and understand the source of such—and accept those crosses. We would have the self-control to turn from our sins of selfishness, greed, anger, ego, fear, jealousy…you get the idea…
Today on this Feast of the Trinity, Jesus reminds us that the Holy Spirit brings us the Spirit of Truth. The idea that we may be possessed by God and guided to the truth in this world of skewed media presence, social media and other forms of self-interested information sources makes me yearn for this possession for all. Being led to the truth by the Spirit has great appeal. How to be possessed by the Lord is the challenge—because we know God is there, in us, and speaking to us—but how to become consciously aware of God’s possession?
We are already imbued—possessed—with the Spirit—but it is all about us letting the Spirit work through us in any situation in which we find ourselves. How to recognize the Spirit at work is to look closely at and discern the results of the fruits of our labor: in relationships, at work, at play, etc.
What is the answer? Prayer. Finding time for prayer. Making time for prayer.
How about utilizing the frustrating traffic jam time for spiritual growth—listening to the Word, praying in our cars—seeing opportunity in the difficulties we face. Standing in line, waiting in the doctor’s office…How about getting up a few minutes earlier to start the day with some quiet time with the Lord—discerning our lessons from our life situations. How about turning off the podcast while we walk and listen for God’s grace? St. Paul reminds us today that it is in hardship that we gain endurance, proven character and hope.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the twentieth century Jesuit, described the “human species in evolution toward the fullness of unity in love. . .” (maybe…, if all of us were possessed by the Lord). [He said] “the way forward is a new spirituality by which humans around the globe can unite to become one mind and one heart in love, a new ultrahumanity united only by love.” Teilhard believed that “everything that rises must converge.” I often think that if most of us were “possessed” by God, our every day living would look a lot different, and we might actually evolve to understanding, tolerance and love.
So, ask yourself, what possesses you? What takes up space in your conscious thoughts each day? Do you give space and time to the Lord—does God possess you? On the Feast of the Trinity we ponder our relational triune God—a paradigm of all our own personal relationships. Today we consider creation and our roles as co-creators. The last line in Proverbs today says: “and I found delight in the human race.” May we all be possessed by God, be of proven character, and creators of hope—in order to delight our good and generous God. May all the world be possessed with a passion for God.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
Just a Note: Here is a song and prayer about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the Trinity. It moved me and brought tears to my eyes…
So, what should our lives be like having been possessed by the Lord/the Holy Spirit? What if we were possessed by a passion for the Lord?
Just think about all that is brought to us by the Holy Spirit—wisdom, self-control, counsel (understanding), fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear (awe) of the Lord. To be consciously possessed by the Lord would mean we would be a people of love, justice and mercy. We would be strong in the face of our trials and tribulations and understand the source of such—and accept those crosses. We would have the self-control to turn from our sins of selfishness, greed, anger, ego, fear, jealousy…you get the idea…
Today on this Feast of the Trinity, Jesus reminds us that the Holy Spirit brings us the Spirit of Truth. The idea that we may be possessed by God and guided to the truth in this world of skewed media presence, social media and other forms of self-interested information sources makes me yearn for this possession for all. Being led to the truth by the Spirit has great appeal. How to be possessed by the Lord is the challenge—because we know God is there, in us, and speaking to us—but how to become consciously aware of God’s possession?
We are already imbued—possessed—with the Spirit—but it is all about us letting the Spirit work through us in any situation in which we find ourselves. How to recognize the Spirit at work is to look closely at and discern the results of the fruits of our labor: in relationships, at work, at play, etc.
What is the answer? Prayer. Finding time for prayer. Making time for prayer.
How about utilizing the frustrating traffic jam time for spiritual growth—listening to the Word, praying in our cars—seeing opportunity in the difficulties we face. Standing in line, waiting in the doctor’s office…How about getting up a few minutes earlier to start the day with some quiet time with the Lord—discerning our lessons from our life situations. How about turning off the podcast while we walk and listen for God’s grace? St. Paul reminds us today that it is in hardship that we gain endurance, proven character and hope.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the twentieth century Jesuit, described the “human species in evolution toward the fullness of unity in love. . .” (maybe…, if all of us were possessed by the Lord). [He said] “the way forward is a new spirituality by which humans around the globe can unite to become one mind and one heart in love, a new ultrahumanity united only by love.” Teilhard believed that “everything that rises must converge.” I often think that if most of us were “possessed” by God, our every day living would look a lot different, and we might actually evolve to understanding, tolerance and love.
So, ask yourself, what possesses you? What takes up space in your conscious thoughts each day? Do you give space and time to the Lord—does God possess you? On the Feast of the Trinity we ponder our relational triune God—a paradigm of all our own personal relationships. Today we consider creation and our roles as co-creators. The last line in Proverbs today says: “and I found delight in the human race.” May we all be possessed by God, be of proven character, and creators of hope—in order to delight our good and generous God. May all the world be possessed with a passion for God.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
Just a Note: Here is a song and prayer about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the Trinity. It moved me and brought tears to my eyes…
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