Life in the Holy Spirit An Empowerment Bible Study using the readings from Catholic Daily Mass for the Season of Easter (any year) © 2003 by Terry A. Modica

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Self-sufficient but not alone

In Christ's prayer of John 17:11-19, we're reminded of what makes us different from those who belong to the world: Jesus has consecrated us to the truth (i.e., to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth). We live in the world so that we can bring the kingdom of God to it. The Spirit of Truth works through us to carry holy ethics into business and greater morality into society.

In Acts 20:28-38, we get a glimpse of St. Paul's influence on business and community affairs. He transformed Ephesus by LIVING the Gospel. Although he was a powerful preacher of the truth, his words were backed up by the holiness of the Spirit of Truth living in him.

If we are extraordinary homilists or religious education teachers or daily reflection writers, but we are not preaching the same message with our daily, person-to-person behavior, the gift of preaching is being used scandalously.

Notice how Paul did it: It would have been appropriate for the church community to finance his living expenses, but he worked as a tent-maker to take care of his own needs and to help his companions. Thus, he raised the morality of Ephesian society by showing that it's important to (1) be self-sufficient and (2) "help the weak."

Self-sufficiency can feel like independence, and independence can easily lead to separation from community. This happens when we assume that our own needs are more important than others' needs. The truth is, our needs are AS important as everyone else's. Look at how deeply concerned Paul was for the spiritual well-being of others. He took the time to notice what was going on in people's lives. When he realized that something was amiss, he directed them to the ways of God. When they refused to change, he cared to the point of tears.

Have you ever cared to the point of tears? This is what it means to be in community with the truth of the Holy Spirit! Have you shared your resources with others when you notice their misfortunes or unmet needs? This is truly being community!

If your own needs are not being met, the Holy Spirit is waving a warning flag that something is amiss in your community. Either you're not availing yourself of what God wants to give you through others, or others are not living the Gospel in a true sense of community. By receiving what we need and sharing what we have, we transform the world -- we raise the standards of business ethics and community life. The Spirit of Truth has made an impact.

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See also Holy Living: A Bible Study covering the Sermon on the Mount.