Reflection for May 28, 2023

Couldn't agree more IF WE BELIEVE - HE IS THERE! AMEN!

Fr. Bill, Former Holy Cross. Since then, Everywhere...!

Renae, This is so beautiful -- so powerfully and richly 'true.' Both your message in words, as well as this most stunning image of Holy Spirit say so much. All inclusive. Universal. Rich diversity. Wholeness. Oneness. All encompassing. Ever expanding. All-in-One. One-in-All. Energy-of-Life. Holy fire within our soul.

This is a beautiful image to pray with and meditate upon. To let ourselves more and more become united with this Great Unifying Force -- and Source.

One of my most endearing Scripture passages comes from the writings of Paul, who has allowed the Spirit of Christ to speak through him: "the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” [Romans 5:5]

Thank you, Renae, for this most potent -- and much needed -- reminder.

(P.S. My memories of my Confirmation which happened when I was 12, probably in 1964, do not include this kind of POWER-FILLED AWARENESS. However, in the early 1980's, while the Charismatic Renewal was happening, my life was richly immersed into this AWAKENING and the realization of our immersion into Life-With-God, Life-With-Christ through their Beautiful and Blessed Gift of Holy Spirit.)

"Put another leaf in the table."

Renae and All ~~ Upon submitting my reflection on Holy Spirit, I feel compelled to 'follow up' with another image that came to me and spoke much to me. The image of "adding another leaf to the family table" when we had guests coming for supper.

This image came to me so vividly as I sent the earlier message, and I felt a great connection between the two.

That is, the Gift of Holy Spirit and extending the Family Table so more guests can be fed.

"More and more guests ....." As in,

"Poor and rich

Young and old

Saints and sinners

People of all colors

The powerful and powerless

Men and women ..."

Wouldn't we have a RICH, DIVERSE, WHOLE-HEARTED, WHOLISTIC 'TABLE OF PLENTY' if this became Our Eucharist?

I remember that day when I chose the name, Michael, after St Michael the Archangel. I remember worrying too much about the Bishop’s slap which of course was nothing. I know it’s not done anymore but I can’t remember the purpose of it.

Thanks for you reflection - a good reminder that the spirit is there for all of us! Beautiful image!

Great reflection, especially after last weekend's Confirmation at Holy Cross.