It is remarkable to consider how the Holy Spirit guided and enlightened the College of Cardinals in choosing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the next Pope. Their minds and hearts led them to select this humble servant of God from the Order of St. Augustine, who spent many years in service as a missionary and a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru. Not only does he have extensive missionary experience, but he also possesses the administrative and leadership qualities needed for the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican State, having previously served as the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine and as Secretary General of the Dicastery for the Bishops. I have no doubt that the power of the Holy Spirit descended upon the Conclave.
We have much to learn from this recent experience of the Universal Church. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our lives. Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laity must seek her gifts of wisdom and courage during critical times when making decisions for the Church. Parents and families should practice praying to the Holy Spirit to help them discern the best choices in caring for their loved ones. Young people must also ask for her guidance in choosing their vocations, and they should do so with patience and persistence.
We all face challenging decisions in our lives, and it often requires courage to confront them. However, by listening to the voice of God in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, we can make leaps of faith as we navigate these difficult choices.
We must rely on the words of Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel (John 14:23-29):
“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
We must also imitate the early apostles and elders of the Church as we navigate the challenges of ministry. They turned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they preached the Gospel and shared their faith in the Risen Christ in distant lands.
During the Mass of Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV invited all Christians to be illuminated by the Holy Spirit, so that we might build a Church “founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made ‘restless’ by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity.” May we respond to this plea so that our Church may serve as an instrument of peace and unity in the world.
In Christ and Mary,
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California
