For the last fourteen years, I have been running off and on through the countryside in Morrisonville and as I return to town, I run past a house that is severely run down; in fact, it has always appeared to me as if the next big wind would complete the collapse of the roof.

From the first time I saw that house, I said to myself that it is not fit for anyone to be living in, and I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to do something to fix it. Once, I even suggested to a few people that maybe we should take it on as a Habitat for Humanity building project, but I got very little encouragement.

I heard things like; that house has been that way for years, they don’t want our help, it’s none of our business and nobody built a house for me, why should I build a house for them. I ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I let the idea that something should be done lie dormant and simply offered a smile and a wave to the people on the porch as I went by.

Apparently, I was not the only one the Spirit had been groaning at. Mine was not the only mind that heard the message that something needs to be done. My heart was not the only one feeling a desire to offer some help. Recently, a couple from our parish decided it was time to do something about the situation.

How can anyone be sure that it is the prompting of the Holy Spirit that is groaning within them, calling them to take some action?

1. The message is consistent with the word of God - we hear that we are to clothe the naked, feed the hungry and shelter the homeless.
2. The message conflicts with conventional wisdom, that same wisdom I had encountered and let discourage me: it’s always been that way, they don’t want our help, it’s none of our business, nobody built me a house.
3. The message is challenging someone to take their faith to a new level; to put their faith into action in a concrete way, to reach out to their neighbors in love despite the possibility of rejection: to do the right thing.
4. The message requires personal sacrifice; most especially a financial commitment to do what is required to demolish the existing home and provide an alternative structure for the family to reside in.

What can we expect when we listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and step out in faith and trust? We can expect to discover the Spirit is trustworthy; the Spirit provides the resources and help we need to complete the task laid on our hearts.

What this couple found was there were many others who were willing to step up and help with the project, including all the churches in town.  I no longer run past a house that should be condemned, but a sound structure that offers dignity and shelter to all those who call it home.

Pentecost is June 9, so let us be reminded that Jesus promised to send us the Holy Spirit and He was true to His promise. Let us remember that the groaning of that Spirit is calling each of us to use our gifts in some way for the benefit of others. Finally, let us remember that if we respond in faith the Holy Spirit will lead us to eternity.

If you are hearing the whisper of the Holy Spirit right now, because you see the dignity in providing a home for a family, we hope you will get involved with the Catholic Build.  Habitat for Humanity Sangamon County and Catholics from in and around Springfield will break ground on a home this August.  There is a lot of work to be done to make this happen, but with your help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can do it! Visit catholicbuild.com for more resources and if you have questions about how to get involved contact Susan at .

May you hear the call of the Holy Spirit,
Deacon Patrick O’Toole
Director of the Office of Missions