Do not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

What happens when you throw cold water on a campfire? Doesn’t it drown out the light and the warmth of the fire? This is the analogy that St. Paul used to warn against disregarding the Spirit’s promptings. When he was an up-and-coming Pharisee in Jerusalem, Paul regularly quenched the Spirit—even to the point of seeking to kill these new followers of Christ. Paul was determined to be the only one in control of his life, not God. After his conversion, however, Paul “fanned the flame” of the Holy Spirit and became one of the greatest apostles in the early church. What a difference!

Yet even as an apostle, there were times when Paul quenched the Spirit. One of the most dramatic times happened just before his second missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to take Mark along, but Paul objected. On a previous journey, Mark had abandoned them, and Paul now thought him to be unfit. He and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement that they parted ways (Acts 15:36-41). Evidently, neither one was in touch with the Spirit enough to preserve the unity that is at the heart of the Christian life.

This story is both troubling and encouraging. It shows that we are all capable of quenching the Spirit. Sometimes our self-righteousness is just too strong. Sometimes we are just plain too stubborn. But this story also shows that Jesus gives us many second chances, just as he gave them to Paul, Barnabas, and Mark. Each one went on to become powerful servants of God and they eventually reconciled.

Our sins are already forgiven. Jesus has already paid the price. All we need to do is run to him and ask for his forgiveness and healing. Know that as you repent of your sins, you will experience Jesus’ refreshing mercy to help you start anew.

Don’t pour the “water” of self-direction on the work of the Spirit! Instead, yield as much as you can. Jesus loves to give us a second chance, and a third chance, until we finally give him free rein. So turn to Jesus. There’s no telling what God has in store!

“Lord, thank you for pouring out your Spirit so generously. Help me to be open to whatever you want to do in me and for me.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. We know that Jesus applied Isaiah 61:1-2 (the first reading) to his own ministry in the synagogue at Nazareth. Jesus was anointed by the Spirit “to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.” Do you believe that we, as Christian men, are also anointed by the Spirit to do the same? If so, in what ways?
2. Share some examples of times when you experienced the Holy Spirit’s anointing in serving the Lord “to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.”
3. How does the Magnificat of Mary in Luke 1:46-54 (from the responsorial psalm) reflect Mary’s unique anointing by the Holy Spirit? What part of it applies to us as Christian men?
4. In the second reading, St. Paul exhorts all of us to “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). At first glance this may seem impossible, especially if we try to do it our strength apart from an anointing of the Holy Spirit. Relying on the Holy Spirit’s power as our source of strength, what steps can you take to make these words of Paul a greater reality in your life?
5. In the Gospel reading, John the Baptist is called by God to “make straight the way of the Lord” (John 1:23). In what ways are we called to do the same as Catholic Christian men?
6. “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) is the Scripture verse that begins the meditation. The meditation goes on to say that just as St. Paul was, so “we are all capable of quenching the Spirit.” What are some of the tendencies in our lives that can quench the Spirit? How can we combat these tendencies, so that we can give the Spirit “free reign” in our lives?
7. At the end of your meeting, beginning with the prayer at the end of the meditation, pray for one another to yield to the work of the Spirit in your lives.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen