In today’s Gospel, Jesus assures us that we are more than any earthly group can make us, and we are interior led by more than any human code or sense of honor. Through the giving of the Spirit, we become dwelling places of the Holy Spirit, and if the Holy Spirit, then the whole of the Blessed Trinity. This teaching of Christ on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is absolutely central to the New Testament.
Like any adventure in living together, allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within us requires certain things. First of all, spending time with God in prayer. Not only do we raise our minds to God, but our hearts become aware of God’s presence within us and in the Church. Secondly, living together with friends requires communication. We need both to speak and to listen. The time we spend in prayer helps us reveal our joys and sorrows, our hopes for this world and our desire for eternity.