The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape

Yesterday was my birthday and I had the privilege to start the day by serving at Mass to start the new school term. It was a wonderful blessing to be in the presence of the 450+ boys. Their innocence, smiles, warmhearted greetings and rendition of the happy birthday song made me feel special and loved.

This week’s Gospel Luke 3: 15-22 says ‘the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove’ and I believe The Holy Spirit blessed me in the bodily form of the boys.

Their joy and energy seemed to embody the very presence of the Holy Spirit, a reminder of God’s love and grace manifesting in the most tangible and heartwarming ways. As I stood there, surrounded by their radiant faces and genuine enthusiasm, I couldn’t help but feel that this moment was a divine gift, a reaffirmation of my calling to serve and guide them.

The Gospel’s imagery of the heavens opening felt alive in their innocence and the purity of their smiles, as though God was speaking through their laughter and song, assuring me of His abiding presence and love on this special day.

The Holy Spirit often works through the people around us, weaving divine grace into the fabric of our relationships and conversations. A kind word from a friend, a heartfelt gesture, or even an unexpected smile can carry the Spirit’s message of love and encouragement.

These interactions remind us that God’s presence is not confined to silent prayer or moments of solitude but is also alive and active in the connections we build with others. Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, we, too, can encounter the Spirit in the ordinary exchanges of our daily lives. These moments invite us to listen, to be present, and to recognize the sacred in the human, as the Spirit whispers through the voices of those we meet.

When we isolate ourselves from others, avoiding relationships and meaningful conversations, we risk closing the door to one of the Holy Spirit’s most profound ways of reaching us. The Spirit often speaks through the presence of others—through their words, actions, and even their silences.

By shutting ourselves off, we may miss the wisdom of a shared story, the comfort of a heartfelt embrace, or the gentle challenge of a loving correction—all of which can be vessels of God’s grace. Isolation not only deprives us of community but also stifles the flow of the Spirit, who seeks to work through the bonds we form with one another. In stepping out and engaging with others, we create space for the Spirit to move, heal, and guide us in ways we might not expect.

As we start what can be a challenging year let us make quality time to build relationships, first with family members but also with a faith community and the people that we interact with at work. In doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit.

As we journey on, may our relationships be a source of the Holy Spirit in bodily form, reminding us that we are never alone but part of a greater community of faith and love.