The Spirit from God

Reflection on Today's Readings, Tuesday, 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year II, 1st September, 2020
Texts: 1Cor. 2:10-16; Ps. 145:8-14; Luke 4:31-37
In the first reading, Paul says, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God". The spirit of the world refers to worldly mentality, a way of thinking that is of the world, it is a kind of disposition to the world. The world refers to a state of affair that is not of God. Hence, the spirit of the world is about a mentality, way of thinking or disposition that is contrary to God's ways. It is the spirit of those who are of the world, not those who are in the world but of God.
Those who are of God receive Spirit which is from him. The Spirit from God refers to a mentality, a way of thinking or disposition in accord with the mind of God. The Spirit helps us to acknowledge and appreciate the gifts of God to us. Paul says, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God". This is because it opens our eyes to see the wonders of God in our lives. When we fail to see the gifts of God to us, it is because we do not have the Spirit from God. 
Paul also affirms that the Spirit is imparted  through the gospel taught in line with the mind of God. He puts it thus: "And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit". Our devotion to God's words and meditation on it impart on us the Spirit from God.
In today's gospel reading, Jesus cast out a demonic spirit which claims to know him. Jesus has come to cast out demonic spirit, the spirit of the world, by his gospel. The demonic spirit tremble in the presence of Jesus Christ. At the words of Jesus, the spirit of the world is cast out.

Lord Jesus, we beg you, deliver us from the spirit of the world, and fill us with your Spirit. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke