THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR COUNSELOR

 

Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scriptural Texts: Acts 15:1-2.22-29, Revelation 21:10-14.22-23, John 14:23-29

 

Decision-making is an integral part of our lives as human beings. We cannot move in life without making decisions. At some in point on the course of our life’s journey, life itself or other circumstances of life will call upon us to make a decision either about ourselves or about others. We make decisions about when choosing our careers, vocations, life partners, and other family or personal matters. Most of the decisions we make in life are life-deciding. The quality and effectiveness of such important decisions have grave bearings on our life. As such, every decision must be taken wisely.

In a decision-making process, getting counsel from those we respect, doing the necessary research, and remembering lessons we have learned from past experiences- are all useful guides to making an informed decision. However, none of them can replace the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit in a decision-making process. The quality of our decisions largely depends on how open we are to the impulse and promptings of the Holy Spirit. In the words of today’s gospel reading, the Holy Spirit is our Counselor; the one who comes to teach us all things, and bring to our remembrance, all that Jesus has said and taught (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is the source of all wisdom (Isaiah 11:2; Ephesians 1:17). The Holy Spirit is also the Spirit of Truth (John 14:16-17). Wisdom is the ability to apply truth in our decisions and actions and the Holy Spirit provides both (John 16:13).

The Holy Spirit was evidently at work in the life and activities of the early Christians. As we read in the first reading, it was through the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit that the disciples were able to resolve the dispute that almost caused a schism within the early Church (Acts 15:1-29). The action of the apostles shows us that the most significant way in which the Holy Spirit leads us in our decision-making process is through prayer. How often do we involve the Holy Spirit in our plans and decisions? Also, the Holy Spirit works through secondary causes. In the first reading, the Holy Spirit worked through the apostles. When our own life is at the crossroads, the Holy Spirit also comes to our aid through people or other circumstances of our life.

We all need the guiding insight of the Holy Spirit in our life. A Christian who lives his life without the Holy Spirit is like a ship captain without a compass; he can make best guesses at which course to take, but has no assurance he is heading in the right direction. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our life not only brings clarity of vision but also peace of mind, the kind of peace the world cannot give. Involve the Holy Spirit in that life-decision you are about making and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in your decision-making process.

It is a fact of life that we tend to make decisions in accordance with whatever controls us. For instance, when we make decisions in a state of anger, it reflects on our decision. Again, if we make decisions under the influence of alcohol or any other substance, its influence will also reflect on the quality of our decision. If we are controlled by our old human nature and the ways of the world, we tend to make decisions marked by selfish ambition and self-promotion rather than the glory of God and good of others. But when we are filled with the Holy Spirit; when we are under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth and Wisdom, we will make wise and prudent decisions (Galatians 5:16). Today, resolve to make the Holy Spirit your personal Counselor. As the elections in Nigeria draw ever closer, may the Holy Spirit guide all the party delegates and the electorates in their decisions and choices of who become our leaders at all levels. May all our decisions be prompted by the Spirit and not by personal gains or interest. Amen.