Hab. 1:2-3, 2:2-4; Ps. 95:1-2, 6-9; 2 Tim. 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk. 17:5-10

Spirit of power is the promise of the Lord.  “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea’, and it would obey you.”  The spirit of power comes to the faithful to govern our lives, to not fear but persevere, and to “stir into flame the gift of God.” 

The spirit of power comes at our baptism through the Holy Spirit and the Lord dwells with us in power and truth.  The spirit is strengthened when we come to receive each of the sacraments that we may grow stronger in faith, hope and love.  The spirit of power is also diminished by sin as we separate from this power by our own free will seeking what is not of the Lord.  It is a power that responds by grace as we open ourselves up to him in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  We say to him “come Lord” by our actions and he responds by the size of our faith.  Now we ask ourselves what size is our faith?  Faith will hear the voice of the Lord and be confirmed to go forth trusting in the Lord. 

Must we be begged and pleaded “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts”?  It is us who are to beg the Lord and plead our cause for love and mercy.  “The rash one has no integrity” because of pride and arrogance of heart “but the just one, because of his faith, shall live”.  The just recognize there is a God, and we are not only not our god, but we are here to serve our God.  This is the vision we are to hold onto, God “will surely come” and not be delayed.  When God comes with the spirit of power it is no longer us who live but God who lives in us.  This is the power we cannot harness nor create but it comes as a gift from God’s will and remains with the faithful, the just, and the servant.  If we truly desire the spirit of power then turn back to a life of faithfulness to his word, righteousness to his people, and service to our king of heaven and earth. Come Lord, this day with your spirit of power, we believe, we pray, and we trust in you. May the flame burn brightly in our souls.