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Wednesday Reflection: June 1, 2022

Dear Friends,

Ah, ordinary time is upon us! There’s nothing like it. I just wonder if “ordinary” exists outside of the Church Calendar. It wasn’t an ordinary day on the Feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles. There have been some pretty exciting representations of the happening in the art and other media over the years.

The Holy Spirit came down to the Apostles with power, a forceful mighty power. Sometimes I think we misinterpret the word power. In this case, it was inner power. The fear that had held captive the Apostles and Disciples finally departed, allowing them to go out to all the world and spread the Good News of Jesus!

The power we receive from the Spirit helps us to lift others up, and not put them down. It should never give us a sense of superiority over another person. How many times have I used the creative powers, the gifts, given to me by the Spirit to put others down? The temptation is always there; can I use the power given to me to make people feel good about themselves and who they are?

This week I heard someone say, “Your Ego is NOT your Amigo”! Sometimes I think we believe it is. Check out your personal power along with the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, and see where you stand in building up the Kingdom of God where you presently are.

We have a community tradition that every year we receive a gift and fruit of the Holy Spirit. This year, due to scheduling, we celebrated a little early and I received the gift of Wonder and Awe (Fear of the Lord) and fruit of JOY. This tradition helps me to remember that the Spirit is always with me, and I need to make good use of the gifts given to me. As a quick refresher, I would like to share with you the gifts of the Spirit:

• Wisdom: The ability to see things as they truly are in an open-minded manner;
• Understanding: A heart that accepts, cares, listens, understands, and forgives;
• Knowledge: The ability to comprehend the truths of the universe;
• Counsel (Right Judgement): The ability to make good and wise decisions;
• Fortitude (Courage): The strength to do what is right in spite of challenges;
• Piety (Reverence): A deep respect for God, for others and for all creation;
• Fear of the Lord (Wonder & Awe in God’s Presence): A sense of the greatness and majesty of God coupled with the deep realization of God’s nearness.

The fruits of the Spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patient Endurance, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. During this week, why not write the gifts and fruits on pieces of paper, whisper a prayer to the Holy Spirit, and choose one of each for yourself for the year? It could be a great reminder of the life of the Spirit within. Go forth and spread the good news by your life, and use words only when necessary!

Till next week, Happy Birthday to the Church!

Sister Theresita