THE SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: THE SUPREME INTENTION

Rev. Fr. John-Mary Benedict Ntol Atep

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1Thess. 4:3)

In our world today, progress in life is measured by what we have accumulated and achieved in the sights of men. It is further accentuated by our social status. Great feats! But reasoned differently and in the light of the Holy Spirit, Scripture says: “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16). We have heard the foregoing verse over and over but it is becoming too familiar and losing its essential message. It conveys the supreme intention of the love of God – our sanctification (universal holiness). Unless we are sanctified, that is set aside for God and to allow God’s purpose for creating us through His Son and in the Holy Spirit to reign, I tell you solemnly, it will be difficult if not impossible to live our lives to the fullest both now and in eternity.

Therefore, as we progress in the school of the Holy Spirit, please, set your intentions right. Yes, the Holy Spirit is a Teacher, Counsellor, Helper, Director, Formator and so forth. But He begins all His actions and operations by His principle of sanctification. For instance, through sanctification, the Holy Spirit divinizes us, supplies us graces and transforms our ways to His. Therefore, let us reflect and pray for a sound understanding of sanctification and apply it to our lives.

Readings to guide our prayer: Acts 5:17-26; Psalm 34:2-9; John 3:16-21

Prayer to the Holy Spirit for sanctification

Prayer of St. Augustine

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.