Sun, 27 May 2018
Homily for Pentecost (on Confession) Lots of powers associated with the Holy Spirit in scripture and popular culture.
But what use are those things?
No practical need for these things (except for a demonstration of God's power). God desires that all of us have joy; and that we be one in perfection as God is [one in perfection]. What is it that causes the most pain in life? Snakes? Poison? Darkness? No: the thing that makes life so difficult – and a living hell for many people – is that we are messed up. We are messed up as individuals and when circumstances force us together, we are even more messed up in community. The existential angst of loneliness and societal dysfunction are a result of our brokenness as people and as a people. God sees that. He knows our pain. He feels it more keenly than we do because he knows everyone's pain that every has been, is, and will ever be. And so He sent His His Son and the Holy Spirit to comfort and save us. What is the super-power that the Holy Spirit gives us? Let me two fundamental powers that will make your life better and more joyful.
Because it is what we is truly necessary to bring an end to your pain and to the pain of the world's pain and confusion. Yes, Confession is the superpower. And it is always available for you to use here at St. Mary's. Throw away the kryptonite of pride, exercise that power of the Holy Spirit through true repentance, and save the world. |