In today’s First Reading Paul decides to go to Ephesus while Apollos is with the faithful in Corinth. Paul’s visit today to Ephesus reminds us of the path every believer takes in the spiritual life: repentance for sins, baptism, and a life in the Spirit. This reading is an apt selection for the week that awaits us before Pentecost, because we too hope for an outpouring of the Spirit as the fruit of living a good sacramental and moral life.
Life in the Spirit is not just receiving special charisms, such as prophecies and tongues, although some do. Life in the Spirit means relying on the Spirit, who gives us life and courage to face the world’s trials. The Spirit convinces us of the truth of Our Lord’s promise in today’s Gospel: Christ has conquered the world., therefore there’s no need to fear. Paul asks the Ephesians today if they have received the Spirit; the sacraments are what confer the Spirit upon us, especially Baptism and Confirmation, just as the Eucharist nourishes us on Christ’s Body and Blood. Together these three sacraments fully initiate us into a life in the Spirit: a Christian life.
Life in the Spirit is not just something we receive; it is a commitment and a labor of love. Let’s welcome the Spirit into our lives in order to have the love of God poured into our hearts.
Readings: Acts 19:1–8; Psalm 68:2–3b, 4–5a, 5c–7b; John 16:29–33. See also 7th Week of Easter, Monday.