Docility to the Spirit

I have been blown away, time and time again over the years to experience the movement of the Holy Spirit through my life. He has literally orchestrated circumstances at times that make no logical sense. Like the healing of a sweet sister-in-Christ from Kenya Africa who the Spirit brought to me, supposedly, when she heard my name from Sister Miriam James Heidland on the Abiding Together podcast. I assure you, Sister Miriam has no idea who I am and they have never talked about me on that amazing podcast! Nonetheless, whatever Sylvia heard spoken through the podcast episode, led her to me. And I led her to my sister, Laura. And Laura and me and the Holy Spirit prayed this precious sister through some difficult times and into the healing love of our Lord. Here we are, a year later, and Laura and Sylvia just spent 10 days together in the Holy Land. God is truly amazing!

Talking with a friend about the incredible, even impossible, circumstances that we’ve witnessed with the Lord, she summed it up, “You’re open and docile to the Holy Spirit. That’s all the Lord needs.” Wow, I love that thought! But docile? Um, I’m Sicilian. That’s kinda the opposite of docile!

Lo and behold, as I prayed about my guiding word for 2020…yup – docile. The Lord really has a good sense of humor.

As I was looking for an explanation of what it means to be docile to the Holy Spirit, I found a wonderful article written by Father Quan Tran from the Diocese of Orange, California. Father Tran gave me permission to share his article with you. Below are the first few paragraphs, with a link to read the full article:

“The more responsive we are to the Holy Spirit the more he will work in us.

There are different aspects involved in this area. The differences may be subtle, but together they form an overall quality that is open, receptive and responsive to the workings of grace.

One aspect is docility, which means the willingness and readiness to be taught, or guided. This is the desire to learn from God and to be formed and molded by his hands. It involves being open to the workings of God in one’s life, and the willingness to cooperate with his grace and be malleable to the activities of the Holy Spirit.

A second aspect is responsiveness. This involves reacting quickly and positively to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. This means being flexible and willing to put aside one’s will, plans and desires, and to accept and do whatever is God’s will. It involves taking action as one becomes aware of God’s desires in order to carry out his will.

The third aspect is obedience. This is compliance and submission to God’s commands, requests or preferences. It is the desire to seek and conform oneself to the will of God at all times. Obedience has a negative connotation in our culture, but it is a virtue that Jesus himself practiced and taught. Obedience to our parents is part of the Commandment to honor thy father and mother. And obedience, along with chastity and poverty, make up the three evangelical counsels – the ways of perfection in the consecrated life.

The different aspects overlap and complement one another to create a disposition in which God has free reign to inspire, create and empower. It is like the cultivated, fertile soil, which is ready for whatever seeds God wants to plant.”

Read Father Tran’s full article here.

A Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant me the grace of great docility to Your Holy Spirit. Help me grow in responsiveness and obedience, choosing Your Will always above my will. I give You permission to mold me and shape me. I am ready for all, I accept all. I believe that docility to Your Spirit is the source of peace and joy in my life. Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

De Yarrison, Copyright 2020