Post-feast of the Ascension; our Holy Father Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (403); Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople (733)
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Acts 20:7-12; John 14:10-21
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Human beings today are deeply concerned how they are viewed by others. However, Christians follow Christ and do not care what the world thinks of them. When sin overcomes a person, he or she prefers that there be no God. Sin at first is hardly noticeable, and then it becomes a visible burden unto slavery. It paralyzes individuals, destroys families and communities, brings nations into dispute and makes them enemies. Sin becomes a habit that is very difficult to uproot and eliminate.
When the Holy Spirit fills a human heart, then one’s eyes begin to see things in a new light. A person undergoes deep changes. God ceases to be an enemy and becomes Light. He is the One who sacrificed His own Son. That which the Lord wills is now willingly desired by us. Jesus says: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). From that moment, a person is no longer a slave but a son or daughter of God Himself. That is what it means to be born of the Holy Spirit. This is what the Holy Church offers us, and we are called to share this joy with others.