Weekly Reflections for May 28, 2023

“Feel the Holy Spirit”

My brother-in-law married a woman who had no religious background. When their first child was born, my brother-in-law wanted to have the child baptized.  His wife was skeptical. Eventually, she agreed to the baptism. And during the ceremony, her eyes filled with tears of joy. My sister-in-law did not understand it at the time, but she could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit came to rest on her child.

Recently, Fr. John shared with us his journey to the priesthood. It wasn’t until he was in his early twenties that he started to feel drawn to the priesthood, and he thought he was going crazy! Through prayer and discernment, he embraced the promptings of the Holy Spirit to become a priest and was at peace.   (Thank you, Fr. John!)

At our baptism, the Holy Spirit was poured out on us with His gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and awe in God’s presence.  Throughout our lives, if we are open to it, we can feel the presence and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever had a new insight while reading the Bible or listening to the Word of the Lord at Mass? (understanding)

Have you ever heard words of comfort or encouragement come out of your mouth and you just didn’t know where they came from? (wisdom, counsel)

Have you ever had the courage to defend someone who was being picked on by others or to go outside your comfort zone to help someone? (fortitude)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the beauty of creation or the power of nature? (awe in God’s presence)

These are just a few examples of the ways that the Holy Spirit moves among us and continually guides and directs us; empowers and comforts us and enables us to do the same for others.

Let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let us feel his presence among us and use the gifts he bestows on us to bring God’s love and peace to our little corner of the world.

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