Jesus' disciples announced: "We do indeed believe You came from God" (Jn 16:30). Jesus responded that they were self-deceived about their faith in Him, for they would soon abandon Him (Jn 16:31-32). Jesus' disciples did not take Him seriously and abandoned Him that same night.

Paul told some of John's disciples that they were disciples of the wrong person. They needed to be disciples of Jesus, Whose forerunner John had been. John's disciples could have reacted defensively to this criticism, but instead were docile. "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. As Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came down on them, and they began to speak in tongues and utter prophecies" (Acts 19:5-6).

When we are docile enough to admit our self-deceptions, inadequacies, and mistakes, we can receive the Holy Spirit in power. When we are docile enough to accept correction for our sins, we can be forgiven and then receive the Holy Spirit in fullness. The Lord resists the proud, and He favors the humble and the docile with the graces of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Pt 5:5).

On this fourth day of the Pentecost novena, accept God's grace to become more and more docile to the Lord. Otherwise, expect to be more and more unfaithful to Him.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 29, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 31, 2002