In catechism class recently we were discussing the Holy Spirit with a group of 2nd and 3rd graders. We asked, "Can you see the Holy Spirit?" They answered, "No." "Can you feel the Holy Spirit?" The kids took a little longer, and all but one child said no: one child said yes. "Can you hear the Holy Spirit?" There was a resounding "YES!"
How do we know that they Holy Spirit is with us? The kids said that we had symbols to remind us where the Holy Spirit is. They had been listening to Start a Fire by the band, Unspoken. They said that the fire symbolized that excitement and energy that made them want to do good. The wind shakes the trees and makes them move, so it was similar to the way the Spirit moves us. When asked about the dove, they said it was how the Spirit brings us peace. They were stuck on other symbols of the holy spirit, then someone shouted out, a heart...the Holy Spirit is love.
In today's Gospel we hear of Jesus telling us that the Holy Spirit is the advocate that the Father will send, and like him, the Spirit speaks not his own words, but the Father's. They are united as described by Christ's words. They work for a common cause within our lives and within our hearts to lead us to Heaven to be united with them. May the blessed Trinity guide us always and be with us to the end of our days. Amen.
Showing posts with label Trinity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trinity. Show all posts
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Sunday, April 17, 2016
John 10:27-30 No One Can Take Away My Sheep from Me
Today's Gospel is short and succinct. No one can take away from God those who belong to God. Christ Jesus also reiterates to relationship between the Father and the Son, they are one, just as the Holy Spirit and the Father are one, and the Holy Spirit and the Son are one. These are two powerful thoughts in today's reading. They should be reflected upon.
A young man preparing for Confirmation was speaking with me and asked, "If God loves us so much, why do we suffer?" He pulled out the example from the book of Job, where God and the Devil are speaking, and God allows the Devil to harm first the prosperity of Job, then Job's family, then Job himself. "Is there a point that God was trying to make?" I asked. The young man was quiet for a few minutes. "Well, he was proving that no matter what those who love Him won't lose faith in him, no matter how bad things get." "Okay, If that is the case, what reward does God promise those who remain in him?" "God rewards them abundantly and even more than they had before, either in this life or the next." "Can you think of Saints who went through something similar?" "Oh yeah," the young man said, "They are our modern day Jobs. They definitely get rewards in Heaven. I see your point."
God loves us, and loves us abundantly.
A young man preparing for Confirmation was speaking with me and asked, "If God loves us so much, why do we suffer?" He pulled out the example from the book of Job, where God and the Devil are speaking, and God allows the Devil to harm first the prosperity of Job, then Job's family, then Job himself. "Is there a point that God was trying to make?" I asked. The young man was quiet for a few minutes. "Well, he was proving that no matter what those who love Him won't lose faith in him, no matter how bad things get." "Okay, If that is the case, what reward does God promise those who remain in him?" "God rewards them abundantly and even more than they had before, either in this life or the next." "Can you think of Saints who went through something similar?" "Oh yeah," the young man said, "They are our modern day Jobs. They definitely get rewards in Heaven. I see your point."
God loves us, and loves us abundantly.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
John 5: 17-30 The Relationship Between Father and Son
In small towns like mine there is a plethora of family businesses. It is not unusual to see three and sometimes four generations gathered at the business, or taking work home to share together there. Father and sons, mother and daughters, or any combinations thereof work together, blending their roles, but still separate in who they are; the direction coming from the father commonly with the advice of the son/daughter considered when making decisions for the business. There is a great deal of honor for the parents, for their knowledge, for their love, for their drive and sense of hard work. There is a great sense of community within these families and their respective businesses. The community becomes the focus, but when an individual within it suffers or has difficulty, they community lifts them up with great love and tenderness. Employees from outside the family are commonly adopted into them through shared time and experience and invited to all family functions and receive the same care and concern as family members working for the business. It is really a beautiful thing to witness. Not all family businesses run like this, but the successful ones in the local area do. The customers receive and feel the solidarity and are drawn to it.
In today's Gospel Jesus describes his relationship to the Father. He tells us that the Father has taught him many things and that he does what his Father does: he heals the sick, he raises the dead, he restores life. However, Jesus admits that he, although he and his Father share commonalities in their work and are in communion with each other, he is different from the Father. "The Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing." The Son needs to be taught by the Father. The Father can do so many more things than we can even dream. The Father has also designated specific things to the Son and honors his son by allowing the Son only to make those decisions, "Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father."
The Father and the Son are both God, just as is the Holy Spirit. They are the Holy Trinity, the triune God, but distinct from each other at the same time. For the first time Jesus open speaks of himself as the Son, and as the Jews point out, that makes him equal to the Father. That is contrary to what they know. Jesus reminds them that he isn't there to do what they or he want, but that it is always the Father's will that surpasses not only ours, but also the Son's will. We will hear this again in the readings soon. Today, this week, through the end of Lent, what do you hear as God's will for you?
In today's Gospel Jesus describes his relationship to the Father. He tells us that the Father has taught him many things and that he does what his Father does: he heals the sick, he raises the dead, he restores life. However, Jesus admits that he, although he and his Father share commonalities in their work and are in communion with each other, he is different from the Father. "The Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing." The Son needs to be taught by the Father. The Father can do so many more things than we can even dream. The Father has also designated specific things to the Son and honors his son by allowing the Son only to make those decisions, "Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father."
The Father and the Son are both God, just as is the Holy Spirit. They are the Holy Trinity, the triune God, but distinct from each other at the same time. For the first time Jesus open speaks of himself as the Son, and as the Jews point out, that makes him equal to the Father. That is contrary to what they know. Jesus reminds them that he isn't there to do what they or he want, but that it is always the Father's will that surpasses not only ours, but also the Son's will. We will hear this again in the readings soon. Today, this week, through the end of Lent, what do you hear as God's will for you?
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