Perhaps St Augustine is the one who described it best. He pointed out that many gospel texts refer to this power by connecting it with the work of the Holy Spirit within us.
The first scriptural reference noted by the great African bishop is found in St Luke's account.
The evangelist tells us how Mary of Nazareth became a mother while remaining virgin.
Most people connect power to headlines in the news. The average headline sends a political signal, telling us who is up and who is down, who is in and who is out, who has power and who wants to take it away from the one who has it. Jesus used the same logic when telling the apostles to avoid modelling themselves after the "rulers of the gentiles".
So what is this new power, this different kind of power, that Jesus promised to give his disciples? What is the gospel message on power? What is this power that does not rely on physical force but on something from God?
The first scriptural reference noted by the great African bishop is found in St Luke's account. The evangelist tells us how Mary of Nazareth became a mother while remaining virgin.
The power Jesus shares with his disciples is spiritual power. We are not called to conquer evil relying on violent means. We are called to conquer evil by first seeking forgiveness for our own sins and then showing others how they can free themselves from sin by seeking God's mercy.
God will give to each believer whatever it takes to make that person totally fulfilled and completely happy.