By Ainish Philip
Did you experience a fresh wave of revival sweep across England?
Saturday the 7th December 2013 saw a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Thousands thronged in early in the morning despite the cold pricking against their skin for a joyous event - to glorify the name of Jesus! The Convention led by Rev. Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil and Fr. Soji Olikkal, and graced by many other holy priests was a day of mega anointing. Within minutes into the Convention, not only the many thousands (a swelling 8500) who came inside the huge hall warmed up to the work of the Holy Spirit, but also the 1000 odd people who were watching the Convention live on the internet!
It is not an everyday event in England where people come in huge numbers to attend a prayer Convention. Not now, when many are comfortable with secular lives and a bend towards atheism. Well it’s not about the numbers, but it’s about the hunger and interest our Lord is generating in the hearts of children, youth, men and women to seek Him and worship Him. This is the time of revival.
So what exactly is a revival and what triggers it?
In the beginning of the year 1901, Pope Leo XIII prayed that the Holy Spirit would come again in power to the whole church, in his private chapel. And within a short span of time, the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit was felt at Kansas and California. Revival also broke out in Wales (1904-05) under Evan Roberts, a lay evangelist.
When our worship becomes lifeless, dull, and insipid, we tend to lose our zeal and if prolonged, results in total loss of spirituality as a family, community, church, or a nation. During a time of revival, all these forms of ungodliness and selfishness are replaced by true, deep conversions, and a life filled with the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit. Because of the prayers and sacrifices of many people, God begins to work in glorious ways. Consequently, families are renewed with the new thirst to preach the gospel, reach out to souls, and become passionate about God’s kingdom.
Remember when Peter preached to the crowd, the Holy Spirit fell on them in a way that they didn’t have a clue that their hearts were now burning to receive Jesus. With burning zeal, they ask Peter, “What should we do?” This is the question today’s young generation is asking, “What should we do for our Jesus?” In a world where the young generation is facing distractions, temptations and even persuaded by peer pressure to abandon their spirituality, here is a new generation rising up to Jesus.
That’s what revival does…especially to the young generation. The Holy Spirit is moving, moulding, and stirring hearts. It is amazing to see youngsters flock into churches for Holy Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and fellowship. They find pure joy in going out to the streets with the message ‘Jesus is Alive’. Be it preaching on the streets, flash mob, or even chanting the name of Jesus, they’re all there to tell the ‘Truth’ to the world.
Yes, this is what revival does. Changes the perspective of a person and leads them to see the reality by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is exactly what St. Francis of Assisi did. Re-build the church. This is what our young generation is doing now with renewed hearts.
What do you do when the revival comes to your land?
“How can they believe in Him of whom they have never heard?” Romans 10:14
Young teens and youth, God has entrusted you with a big responsibility. If you have a teen friend or a young adult who’s lost way, encourage them to come back to the incredible and forgiving love of Jesus. Pray hard and never quit.
For those who are wondering where will I fit in this, just be part of it and be a revivalist- through group, or one to one evangelisation, intercession prayers, or simply by accepting Jesus as the Saviour of your life and becoming a new creation in Christ!
For me, right now, I’m being part of this huge revival through thanksgiving.
Stay in peace. Stay with Jesus.
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