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.
Comments (20)
AndyMarie
April 22, 2020 at 10:39 am
May the Holy Spirit continue to sanctify us in holiness of heart and mind. Amen
Thanks Padre for the reflection and prayers.
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 8:22 pm
Holiness and nothing else
Nkechi
April 22, 2020 at 10:48 am
Amen father…thank you
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 8:22 pm
Thanks too
Gerard-Mary
April 22, 2020 at 11:14 am
Amen! Warm regards Father.
Chinwe
April 22, 2020 at 11:59 am
Amen! Oh Lord give us the grace to always ask for the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Thank you Fr. John-Mary Atep for all these fruitful teachings. God bless you always.
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 8:23 pm
Thanks and keep celebrating life
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 8:23 pm
Good man. God bless you
Pauline Otu
April 22, 2020 at 12:05 pm
May the Holy spirit of God continue to direct our actions in life amen. Thank you Father & stay safe.
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 8:24 pm
Thanks a lot
Abonyi Shadrach Emeka
April 22, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Holy Spirit of God sanctify me! Amen.
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 8:24 pm
Holy Spirit dwell in us
TinaMary
April 22, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Holy Spirit our greatest friend be with us now and forever more. Amen
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 8:25 pm
Sincerely grateful
John Egbeji
April 22, 2020 at 9:03 pm
Sincerely grateful for the teaching Padre
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 11:18 pm
Namesake thank you!
Francis-Mary
April 22, 2020 at 9:38 pm
Thank you Fr for sharing. May God grant us the grace of a willing openness to the school of the Holy Spirit our Teacher and Formator. Amen.
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 11:18 pm
A appreciate your comment and prayer. Amen
Batomaria
April 22, 2020 at 9:44 pm
Thank you dear Father. My prayer always is that the same Spirit may daily convict me; that He may purity me from inside out and really make me a holy child of God, truly walking in the search light of His power and grace.
frjohnma
April 22, 2020 at 11:17 pm
Great prayer based on inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Amen