Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 5 Dec 2023. Rejoicing in the Spirit

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Isaiah 11:1-10. Luke 10:21-24

Rejoicing in the Spirit

In the first reading, we read the prophecy of Isaiah about the Messiah. The prophet announces that the Messiah (the anointed one) will be filled with the Holy Spirit. The gospel reading witnesses to the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy in the person of Jesus. Luke writes, ‘Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit.’ Moreover, Jesus praises that his disciples are greater than the prophets, for the prophets saw the Messiah in vision and dream, while the apostles saw him face to face.

The Spirit, in the Christian reading, refers to the Holy Spirit. In Isaiah, it means the Spirit of the Lord. Isaiah puts forward the gifts of the Holy Spirit: ‘wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.’

Isaiah foretells that the times of the Messiah will witness three transformations: (a) the transformation of the nature of the animal kingdom; (b) the world will be filled with the knowledge of God; and (c) all people will come to be part of the Lord.

Luke records Jesus rejoicing in the Holy Spirit and praising His Father. We have in the text the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together. Manifestation, or revelation, and knowing are the key words.

‘Rejoicing in the Spirit’ – this is the lesson that we learn today.

We were anointed by the Holy Spirit at our baptism. During the confirmation, we were sealed by the Holy Spirit. We continue to live with him. Thus, we too share in the anointing of Jesus.

Jesus rejoices that his disciples were with him; he rejoices that the Father chose to reveal himself to the vulnerable and the weak. When we rejoice in the Spirit, we live a life filled with gratitude and praise.

Let us be mindful of the Holy Spirit in our everyday actions.

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The Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs: “The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.” (cf. 1831).

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy