how dry i am
"How dry they were!" —Ezekiel 37:2
Are you feeling spiritually dry? Do you feel that God is looking at your life and saying, "How dry you are"? At one time in my life I was constantly surrounded by spirit-filled people, but felt so dry and far from the Spirit that I'd given up hope of ever receiving His fullness (Jn 5:5ff). I was spiritually dry and I desperately needed living water (Jn 4:14). However, my life was fulfilling the saying: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." I wanted the Spirit and a few of His gifts, but I didn't want the Spirit to run my life.
"It is the Spirit that gives life" (Jn 6:63; Ez 37:5). It's the Holy Spirit that gives the ability to love God and neighbor with our all (Mt 22:37). I knew these truths, but I only wanted the Spirit to give me a half-life, not life to the full (Jn 10:10). I wanted new life, but didn't want a new lifestyle (Mk 2:21-22).
For years, God soaked me with His sweet love through the Mass and the Bible. Eventually, I came to Jesus and begged Him to immerse me in the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:38; Mk 1:8), even if I had to change my entire life (see Mt 13:44). I received the Holy Spirit and was stunned to discover that I loved this new lifestyle.
Repent of stifling or saddening the Spirit, whether intentionally or unknowingly (1 Thes 5:19; Eph 4:30). Let God pour out His love in your heart through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22).
Prayer: Jesus, You lavish the Church with unrationed outpourings of the Spirit (Ti 3:6; Jn 3:34). May we receive the Holy Spirit in a manner worthy of the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity.
Promise: "I have promised, and I will do it."—Ez 37:14
Praise: Mary said: "Let it be done unto me," and became a model for all future Christians.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(The sacraments bring us to friendship with Jesus. Come to a retreat on Celebrating The Sacraments With Joy Oct. 3 & 4. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 to register.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 25, 2008
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