The Homily of Father Jose  -  January 19, 2020

Second Sunday in Ordinary time

St. John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the Son of God.  This happened because St. John was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Scripture says that no one can say Jesus is Lord unless he or she is filled with the Holy Spirit.  St. John recognized Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”.  Scripture tells us that John was baptizing people with water; but Jesus baptized the people with the power, life and love of the Holy Spirit.

What does it mean to be baptized in the Holy Spirit? It is an immersion into the life and presence of the Holy Spirit.  Just like the soil absorbs the water when it rains, we are meant to soak ourselves in the presence of the Holy Spirit.  The water gets into the ground, reaches the roots and nourishes the tree and its fruits.  Similarly, when we invite Jesus deeply into our hearts, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.  The Holy Spirit nourishes us with the healing and blessings of Christ.

To love Jesus and invite Him into our hearts, we need to know Him better.  First, we need the blessings of the Holy Spirit.  We have to spend more time reading the Bible and in prayer.  And most importantly, we need to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, worthily and frequently.  We must come to know Jesus if we are to discover our own purpose and our true self. 

“Jesus, grant us the grace to receive your Spirit.  Let us know you better.  Each day may we long       for you”.         

                                                                      Amen