The Spirit of Adoption

“You have received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba Father!” The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8: 15-17).

By our baptism, we have been immersed in the Paschal Mystery (passion, death, resurrection, and ascension) of Jesus Christ and have become adopted sons and daughters of God the Father. By His rising from the dead, we are no longer separated from God but we are heirs of His household–where there are many rooms (John 14: 2). This reality is “Good News” and elicits from us a response of love and devotion.

The Spirit’s gift of piety inclines us to offer praise, devotion, and honor to God the Father. It gives a tenderness and a devotion to the worship we rightfully owe to God. Worship, inspired by Piety, is not just required because He is our Lord but something that we desire because He is our Father who loves us. Furthermore, we have new eyes with which to see our neighbor as a beloved son and daughter of our Heavenly Father.

Fully living the spirit of adoption frees us to live with simplicity, trust, and a filial love of God the Father. We begin to “see” the events of daily life and the world differently. In fact, the perspective changes from a natural worldview to a Catholic (universal) Christian worldview. The Spirit cries out with us, “Abba Father” for we know and believe He will provide for us as He does the birds in the sky and the lilies in the field (Matthew 6:25-32).  

In the Gospels, we witness Jesus’ constant communication with His Father and His response in love to His will. He reveals to us the Father’s heart and is the perfect revelation of the Father. When you spend time prayerfully reading Scripture, this will be apparent to you. If you find yourself struggling, ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your reading and ask Him to send His spirit of piety to enable you to lift your mind and heart to offer praise, adoration, and worship to God, Who is Love.

Effects of the Gift of Piety

• Wants to go beyond duty
• Gives promptness to do the will of the Father
• Inspires reverence and devotion in worship and prayer