How do we know that we will inherit God's Kingdom? We are given the gift of the Spirit - a sign now that the fullness of the inheritance will come later. Sometimes we take it for granted. The Spirit lifts us above our own limits, helps us to endure our suffering and struggle with dignity, patience, and love. It also enables us to be compassionate and just and to show kindness to all. If this is just a sign, imagine what the fullness will be like! If we do not feel that the Spirit is active in our lives perhaps we have not opened our heart wide enough to receive it, for it is necessary to surrender and allow God to be God within us.

A little yeast transforms the entire lump of dough. In the same way, a little doubt and fear can transform us in a negative way. We can become fearful and reluctant to speak the truth or stand up for what we believe. The Gospel invites us to shout the good news from the rooftops instead of remaining hidden and quiet. The world needs to hear of God's unconditional love for all of humanity, as well as the call to justice, compassion, right living, and sharing. It is a message many do not want to hear and it is all too easy to be bullied into silence by culture and peer pressure. The Spirit will set us free from fear and fill us with the necessary courage and zeal. When we walk in God's ways there is nothing that we need to fear.