Memorial of Saint
Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious
(I John 3:7-10; John 1:35-42)
Today’s first reading speaks of God’s seed remaining in
the Christian. This seed enables her not
to sin. What is it referring to with this obscure image? May it be the same seed that impregnated the
Virgin Mary? It turns out that it
is. It is the Holy Spirit that comes
down upon Christians to protect them from sinning.
Economists theorize how nation have comparative advantages
in one way or another. This conceptual
reality will enable them outperform other nations in a particular
industry. Columbia’s many mountainous
regions with moderate temperatures give it a comparative advantage over, say,
the United States in producing coffee. In
a similar way the Holy Spirit gives Christians a comparative advantage over
others in living righteous lives.
Unfortunately, Christians sometimes fail to use their
comparative advantage. We act contrary
to the Holy Spirit when we choose to abuse others in order to love ourselves. We may claim for ourselves more than justice
permits. Whenever this happens, we
should note the whisper of the same Holy Spirit. As invisibly as he was given to us, he calls
us back to goodness. Our comparative
advantage does not fail us when we fail it.
