“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven”
By S. Marion Rose Mansius
Our first experience with water and the Spirit, of course, was when we were baptized. For most of us, our parents or godparents accepted the faith of Jesus for us.
Again, at Confirmation, we are confirmed, “matured” and strengthened in the faith by the same Spirit.
For me, baptism and “being born again” as we often hear, is simply a confirmation of God’s spirit in our daily lives.
I believe there are moments when we choose to invite the Spirit into our lives in a special way – for me that was my final vows as a Sister of St. Francis.
Another time that I strongly experienced the Spirit of God in my life was in Assisi, Italy, as I prayed before the San Damiano cross that spoke to Francis.
At other times we may experience moments when we know that the Spirit is working with us to make us better persons, as well as helping us to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel.
I look at our situation here at St. Mary of the Angels with all the changes that face us as blessings for our Spiritual renewal; the challenges of living in a house we no longer will own and moves within the building to accommodate construction are an opportunity to trust that God’s guiding spirit is working in us, with us and for us.
And so I pray, Risen Jesus, send us forth as disciples of hope and joy to the transforming opportunities that come our way. Help us to trust your Holy Spirit.
Amen. Alleluia!
