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The Word, The Holy Spirit, Our World
Tonia O. Alabi

It is amazing to ponder on the diverse gifts of man, especially when we relate to the creations of man inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The scientists would see man –made things as the product of the ingenuity of human beings. This is unfortunate I would say, as man’s thoughts are not existing except the spirit being is connected. Therefore, ideas that become inventions are the inspiration of the Holy Spirit working within man, though we must realise that good thoughts come first and then the evil one seeking to stop God’s work intrude by instigating impossibility and evil.

Sitting one morning and gazing at the window in my sitting room, I noticed the net preventing insects from entering the opened windows and thought what an inspiration once put inside the inventor of the net. A need was identified and the Holy Spirit came up with the idea of using a material with holes in it to cover the windows anytime it is opened. I am sure many years down the line, perfection continues as we now have our nets made to slide to one side or the other unlike the old model which was permanently nailed to the window with only a small hole made to allow for opening and closing the window.

With this in mind, I think of the opportunities that are wasting away as our youth keep on seeking gold mines and the elders use their old age to seek wealth that they cannot take to their graves, when even the children they think they are keeping the wealth for are sure to squander them while unknown people are likely to inherit the rest. Ill-gotten wealth is mostly hidden.

Steven Covey in his book the 8th Habit, wrote that vision, discipline and passion without conscience do not endure. Though these three attributes he mentioned rule the world, but not listening to the good voice, the silent voice, the Holy Spirit which to man is our conscience will not help us to use our talents in a way that glorify the Almighty God, our maker. All the three attributes, when managed by good conscience, brings out the best in us and we are able to impact our world positively and beautifully.

Our youth will have a voice when they are able to let their good conscience rule their minds and they are disciplined enough to focus on that which the Holy Spirit is inspiring in them. Discipline includes respect for elders especially their parents, even when they feel they do not know much about what they seem to be passionate about.

Good listening and appreciating the wisdom of old age is important for lasting growth (though the elders seem to have failed, not only the youth, but themselves). Our good conscience tell us when a view point is true and sincere.
So to our future, the youth, I say let the “Word” be your guide that you may develop a strong spirit (conscience) to fight the evils of this world.

When you attend Mass, concentrate on the Word and Sermon and within your week, work to achieve that which the Holy Spirit leads you to do. Let not distraction of any kind (not even preparing for a youth programme) deprive you of hearing and listening to the “Word” for the week.

The Word is in the Holy Spirit who inspires all good deeds that promote the world. Hence say this prayer with me that we may all be winners in Christ.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of all faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your spirit, and they shall be created; and you shall renew the face of the Earth.

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