Let Us Welcome the Holy Spirit

We know that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, but beyond that, how much more do we know about the Holy Spirit?

Jesus did not reveal the Holy Spirit fully to His disciples until He Himself has been glorified through His Death and Resurrection (CCC 728). Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Truth will be sent by the Father in Jesus’ name. The Holy Spirit will teach us everything, reminding us of all that Christ said and bear witness to Him. (CCC 729)

Fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ, on the day of Pentecost, came the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (CCC 731). God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5) The first effect of the gift of God’s love is the forgiveness of our sins. The Holy Spirit restores to the baptized the divine likeness which was lost through sin (CCC 734). Then, the Holy Spirit gives us the pledge of our inheritance, which is charity – the source of new life in Christ. (CCC 735) Then, by the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s children can bear the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

The Holy Spirit is involved in so many ways in the daily life of a Christian (CCC 688):

  1. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures which He inspired.
  2. The Holy Spirit instructs us through Apostolic Tradition and the preaching of the Church Fathers.
  3. The Holy Spirit governs us through the Magisterium which He guides.
  4. The Holy Spirit brings us into communion with Christ through the sacramental liturgy.
  5. The Holy Spirit helps us how to pray. (cf. Romans 8:26)
  6. The Holy Spirit imparts His gifts through the charisms and ministries of the Church.
  7. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us and continues the work of salvation.

A Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

Spirit of Wisdom, preside over all my thoughts, words, and actions, so that in all things, I may love God for His own sake above all things. Spirit of Understanding, teach and enlighten me, so that I may never waver in holy Faith, but ever enjoy true peace of mind and heart. Spirit of Knowledge, teach me how to look at all things in their true light, so that I may not be kept bound by an undue attachment to earthly matters, but ever enjoy and rejoice in Heavenly comforts. Spirit of Counsel, lead me into all the ways of prudence, so that on all occasions I may do what is proper, and show myself discreet, yet showing true love and forbearance in the daily relation with my fellow man. Spirit of Fortitude, strengthen me so that I may not be discouraged by any obstacle in the path of virtue, but humbly and willingly submit to the crosses and trials of life. Spirit of Piety, implant in my soul filial love and affection towards God, my Heavenly Father and a brotherly love towards all men, so as to truly delight in the service of God and my neighbor. Spirit of Holy Fear, restrain me from all evil so that I may serve God with a clean heart and chaste body. Amen.

Tai-Chi classes will resume on Sunday, May 30. Tai-Chi master Anthony Liu will conduct the classes from 11:30am to 12:00pm in the Social Hall. There is no fee for the classes. All are welcome.

On Sunday, May 23, from 7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M there is an online Faith Sharing and Prayer for the Church in China.  Priests will be there to lead the Taize style prayer meeting. Br. David and a parishioner will share their experiences as well. Everyone is welcome, please use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/9A9FYPWbKaxRwhnaA

Please register with a valid email address and a Zoom link will be sent to you later.