Psalm: Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b
Gospel: Jn 15:26-16:4a
Friends,
When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. - John 15:26
Tonight, our church had a confirmation ceremony. I attended at the request of a few friends, and was glad to see many more friends there as well (and made a new friend before too long). If you have the opportunity to attend a confirmation mass at your own parish, I highly recommend it. It helps emphasize that we are more than individuals in a pretty building; we are a community of believers, a family in Christ.
When speaking with converts, one can't help but feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Many converts are people that, at one point, did not want to hear the truth of the gospel. Some saw it as too restrictive, others as old and out-dated. How in the world did they ever come to accept the teachings of our Lord?
The sh0rt answer is, something not of the world became present in their lives. Some see miracles. Some see visions. Some just see ordinary people doing their best to live as Christ bade us. In all cases, the Spirit is present, testifying to the love of God and the saving power of Jesus in our lives. It is this witness of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our Church, that gives us direction and strength.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our journey through this life. Lord, bless our newly catechized brothers and sisters, fill them with the gifts of the Spirit. Let them be a source of joy and strength for our Christian community and may your divine light shine in them. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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