Sunday is the Solemnity of Pentecost. It marks God's timing for the changing of command for His new Church. Jesus had said the night before His passion, "If I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus had left this earth to return to heaven, leaving the apostles with Mary in prayer.
So once again we live the experience of that first Pentecost when the Upper Room in Jerusalem shook with hurricane force as the wind of God's Spirit and the fire of His love descended on twelve apostles, changing them forever. As thousands more were baptized that day, the Church was born in the presence of Christ's own mother and countless of other witnesses.
Through the Eucharist we celebrate this Sunday, the Holy Spirit comes again to give a "booster shot" to countless modern-day Christians who have been born of water and the Holy Spirit.
Again, we are consecrated in the Truth that God is love, and lives in us as in a fleshly Temple, that in the renewal of our lifetime commitment, our faith is rekindled so that our light will more effectively destroy the indifference and violence that threaten to engulf the world.
Only our fears can prevent the Holy Spirit from empowering us, for He is our "Advocate," our silent supporter. He will help us to work together with our Bishops and priests, our religious and fellow laypeople, to renew the Church through the Holy Spirit's gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
So once again we live the experience of that first Pentecost when the Upper Room in Jerusalem shook with hurricane force as the wind of God's Spirit and the fire of His love descended on twelve apostles, changing them forever. As thousands more were baptized that day, the Church was born in the presence of Christ's own mother and countless of other witnesses.
Through the Eucharist we celebrate this Sunday, the Holy Spirit comes again to give a "booster shot" to countless modern-day Christians who have been born of water and the Holy Spirit.
Again, we are consecrated in the Truth that God is love, and lives in us as in a fleshly Temple, that in the renewal of our lifetime commitment, our faith is rekindled so that our light will more effectively destroy the indifference and violence that threaten to engulf the world.
Only our fears can prevent the Holy Spirit from empowering us, for He is our "Advocate," our silent supporter. He will help us to work together with our Bishops and priests, our religious and fellow laypeople, to renew the Church through the Holy Spirit's gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
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For the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
For the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Blessed Spirit of Wisdom, Help me to seek God. Make Him the center of my life and order my life to Him, so that love and harmony may reign in my soul.
Blessed Spirit of Understanding, enlighten my mind, that I may know and love the truths of faith and make them truly my own.
Blessed Spirit of Counsel, enlighten and guide me in all my ways, that I may know and do Your holy Will. Make me prudent and courageous.
Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in every time of trouble or adversity. Make me loyal and confident.
Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, help me to know good from evil. Teach me to do what is right in the sight of God. Give me clear vision and firmness in decision.
Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart, incline it to a true faith in You, to a holy love of You, my God, that with my whole soul I may seek You, Who are my Father, and I find You, my best, my truest joy.
Blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart that I may be mindful of Your presence. Make me fly from sin, and give me intense reverence for God and for my fellow men who are made in God’s image.
Come Holy Spirit, Creator blest! And in our souls take up Your rest; Come with Your grace and heavenly aid, To fill the hearts which you have made.
Blessed Spirit of Understanding, enlighten my mind, that I may know and love the truths of faith and make them truly my own.
Blessed Spirit of Counsel, enlighten and guide me in all my ways, that I may know and do Your holy Will. Make me prudent and courageous.
Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in every time of trouble or adversity. Make me loyal and confident.
Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, help me to know good from evil. Teach me to do what is right in the sight of God. Give me clear vision and firmness in decision.
Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart, incline it to a true faith in You, to a holy love of You, my God, that with my whole soul I may seek You, Who are my Father, and I find You, my best, my truest joy.
Blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart that I may be mindful of Your presence. Make me fly from sin, and give me intense reverence for God and for my fellow men who are made in God’s image.
Come Holy Spirit, Creator blest! And in our souls take up Your rest; Come with Your grace and heavenly aid, To fill the hearts which you have made.
O Comforter, to you do we cry, O heavenly Gift of God Most High; O Fount of life and Fire of love, And sweet Anointing from above!
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