Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The Holy Spirit's Illumination and Purification



My readings and thoughts of lately continue to reflect on humility. In my own journey, I find myself not quite knowing what I’m suppose to be doing when it comes to God’s will. I’m not expecting an angel to visit and give me some fantastic mission, even though that would be something! But it does seem like I would have some inkling of direction. At times I wonder if I’m missing the big picture, the picture consisting of the “little” moments followed by my patron saint, “The Little Flower.”



One recent reading focused on the gift of understanding from the Holy Spirit. Our intellect is limited by our human comprehension. Only by the light of the Holy Spirit can we begin to understand the truths of our faith. The words we study, read with eyes of faith, are profoundly illuminated when we are infused with the Spirit of God.



The other realization is that our hearts must be swept of the stains of sin and self. The windows to our souls need to be as clean and clear as possible. When we ask for the Holy Spirit to illumine us, we should prepare a place for Him. We should be free of attachments and ill feelings. How can we receive the full gift of knowledge from the Holy Spirit if our being is harboring worldly distractions?



“Help me to purify my heart, because what I desire to see is pure but my means of seeing it, impure. Come to me, O God, and purify me by Your grace; purify my heart with Your aid and strength. If I receive You into my heart during this present life, after my death You will admit me into Your presence.” St. Augustine



Lord, I know my heart and soul are not free of worldly attachments and baggage. I need your help in ridding me of whatever keeps Your light from brilliantly shining knowledge, wisdom and Your will into my being. Amen



4 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful post. Almost every saint I've ever read says the spiritual life can not progress without humility~everything seems to hinge upon it. So you are wise to pray in the way you do. I've got some spiritual baggage of my own to get rid of as well.
Thanks and God Bless!

Heartfelt Heartlook said...

Karinann, Thank you for your comments. Sometimes we really feel like the clay don't we? God has to twist our being, flatten it, knead it and more. Sometimes I get a glimpse of what's going on, but I seem to forget quickly! Love to you!

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

I think humility is a very hard thing to achieve. It becomes even harder when people praise you for being humble, and you know you are not what they are praising you for -- any answer seems to be even more humble (and it's not). Sheesh!

There is a great book: The Humility of God by Ilia Delio. Have you seen it?

Heartfelt Heartlook said...

Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for visiting. I agree humility is difficult, because I have to always question my motive, if you know what I mean.

I haven't seen this book, but I need to go check it out now! Thank you for pointing it out. GOd bless you.