- When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2: 1-4)
Today, June 4, 2006, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Pentecost. This, in essence, is the birth of the Church. It's when Christ sent down His Holy Spirit to renew the face of the Earth.
Unfortunately the Holy Spirit can sometimes be the Forgotten Person of the Trinity...at least for me. However, many times in my life, I have been very strongly filled by the Holy Spirit. It's quite a feeling to have Him rush through you. It takes your breath away.
In my life, I have been taught that the Holy Spirit gives us 7 Gifts which help us daily with our faith:
1. Wisdom
2. Knowledge
3. Understanding
4. Fortitude
5. Piety
6. Counsel
7. Fear of the Lord
In prayer, as Christians, we can ask the Holy Spirit to come down and give us these gifts...however, be prepared!
For with every gift we grow closer to God. And as we grow closer to Him, the more we realize just how truly distant we are from Him.
In preparation for Confession, I have asked the Holy Spirit to reveal my sins to me. (That's a tough one) and He reveals them to me in spades.
While praying, I ask Him, "What is keeping me from You?" And the answers come to me. And sometimes (most of the time?) they are answers I quite frankly don't want to hear.
All in all, the Holy Spirit has blessed me with the above gifts.
And I am forever thankful.
Come Holy Spirit
Fill the Hearts
Of Your Faithful and
Enkindle in Them
The Fire of Your Love.
2 comments:
good post on the importance of the Holy Spirit.
unis is nuts at the moment, I hope to visit more regularly once it dies down a bit.
MDM
Thanks for you comments at MDM again theden,
I always appreciate your input, especially since my own understanding of Catholicism is that of an ourtider and so your input and comments are really helpful to me. Again i'd like to say that although I am a protestant I dont think the Catholic Church as a whole or individuals are bad or dodgy or whatever, even though our theologies are somtimes at odds. Differeing theologies are actually a blessing as it encourages me to search the Word prayerfully to discover or rediscover the truth of God and why I believe what I do rather than just adopting the faith of my mother, pastors, elders etc.
Glorifying God, my saviour Jesus Christ, is my hearts desire and I have the impression it is yours too. :)
Uni is slowing a little at the moment. Young kids are still exhausting though.
I'd love to keep in a little more regular contact with you although I am a little slow at replying in emails. they have more room for chatting etc.
If you can leave you email address as a comment on one of my posts ill delete it when I get it and send you an email.
cheers, and I trust all is well.
MDM
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