We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
“That he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith”
(Ephesians 3:16-17)
Closer Than We Realize
I was looking straight at Him. And I couldn’t stay awake to save my life.
When I was five or six years old, my mom took me to daily Mass. I was amazed that our church, usually packed on Sunday mornings, had only a handful of people sitting near the front. That day, we joined them, and I experienced the Mass in a whole new way.
For the first time, I was able to see the sanctuary, to observe the sacrifice of the Mass, and I remember thinking “Jesus is here, I need to be on my best behavior.” I stared at the beautiful gold box that I would later learn was the tabernacle, fighting to keep my eyes open. Eventually, I lost the battle and fell asleep on my mother’s lap.
Even at that age, I understood something important: Jesus was there. I didn’t understand much about the tabernacle or the Eucharist yet, but I knew His presence mattered.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul invites us to recognize another way the Lord is close to us, far beyond the walls of our local church. The Lord is present through the Holy Spirit strengthening our “inner self”, and through Christ dwelling “in our hearts through faith.”
The Spirit stays with you daily to give you strength, wisdom, and encouragement, but oftentimes we can become busy, distracted, or numb, to His daily nudges. Sometimes His presence is subtle, guiding us towards patience, encouraging us to apologize, or giving us strength to take the next step when we feel overwhelmed.
That little girl thought being close to Jesus meant she had to stay awake and be on her best behavior. Today, I’m learning that being close to Him also means letting Him strengthen me in my inner self when I’m tired.
Where might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to pause, listen, and respond today?
Holy Spirit, help us recognize your presence and respond to your call. Amen.
Reflection by:
Francesca Bauer is a Tampa native who has been listening to Spirit FM her whole life and currently serves as their Director of Development. When not at the station, you can find Francesca working as a Life Teen Mass Musician and Core Team Member at St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Largo, or hanging out with her husband.