“Come Holy Ghost, Creator…”, we sing today and invoke the Holy Spirit to rest upon us. The apostles received the Holy Spirit and his gifts in the upper room while they pray after ten days their Master ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, sent from the Father and whom the Son promised to come. He made the apostles strong, fearless men, who courageously fulfilled their mission to bring “Good News” to all nations. We also received the Holy Spirit, when we received the Sacrament of Confirmation and became adult Christians, strong and courageous to witness our faith.
In the Biography of our Foundress, Blessed Alphonse Marie, Father Richard humbly wrote to his Bishop, with regard to spiritual direction, “I do not know any theories about the spiritual life, nor do I have time to study them. Moreover, they would probably only confuse me. It is the Holy Spirit who is guiding this soul (Elizabeth Eppinger, Blessed Alphonse Marie) since her childhood, and it is He alone who is guiding her today. I only observe and pray that I may not be an obstacle.”
Let us reflect how we use the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom helps us recognize the truth, and use it to glorify God; help us to put God in a center of our lives and to see others as our brothers and sisters.
Understanding allows us to grasp the very essence of the truths of the Catholic Faith; make us able to comprehend the meaning of God's message.
Knowledge allows us to understand and live God’s will, He has for us; make us able to think about and explore God's revelation, and to recognize the mysteries of faith beyond us.
Counsel helps us to judge justly; make us able to see and choose the best way to follow God's plan for us.
Fortitude makes us courageously confess our faith; give us the courage to do good and right.
Piety makes us willing to worship and serve God; helps us pray to God in true devotion.
Fear of the Lord makes us totally dependent on God due to His love, grace, and perfection; it is the feeling of amazement before God, who is all-present and our best friend.
