Faithfulness to Christ – Breathe First – Celebrating Pentecost – Gift of the Spirit

Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast – Tuesday May 26, 2015

Dear Vincentian Family: We are nearing the end of our 50 days of Easter, having celebrated Pentecost last Sunday and looking forward to the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity on this Sunday May 31. We pray: Risen Jesus, find us in the places we are hiding. Meet us in our closets, in our comfortable shoes, in our worn-out habits and well-exercised excuses. Show us our fear is not justified, that you want us as we are that you need us to be your Body. In our fleeting moment of courage, push us out into a world that needs us that we might need you and find you in doing your work. Amen! Pray for everyone in a disaster arear and for those fearing terrorists. Always pray for peace in every direction and especially for all those we serve in Jesus name.

Blessings,

Lynn

Faithfulness to Christ – In your relationship with God, who do you think initiated that relationship? Are we faithful to Christ and His mission? Spreading the Word through our actions and living the Gospel. Do not delete, pass it one. We need to share more today than ever. Christ loves us and He has proven we are worth dying for. We have been called to be His missionaries as Vincentians. Go forth and fulfill His mission. Do not keep it to yourself. God is love – And we move towards the light to find the love of God. But is God’s love within us, even in the dark moments? Is the love of God there, hidden away? Yes, always! The love of God never leaves us. He is always with us. Who is the easiest person for you to love? Why? If He seems distant, guess who moved. He is with us always.

Breathe First – You just can’t know how hard a sarcasm, retaliation, or verbal smack is unless you hit another with it and then watch the size and color of the bruise formed. That’s very risky to both of you in yielding to a momentary urge to send off. Taking Responsibility many people are inclined to attach blame to someone or something outside themselves—a provocation, insult, or personal attack. When all the dust settles, however, the most accurate belief about an angry display is not “The Devil made me do it.” It is, “I made me do it.” A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile, and a silent prayer can work wonders and accomplish miracles. Reflect on, “How do you proclaim the gospel?” It is a good question to have at your Vincentian meetings; we all need to know we are called to be not only Jesus but the Gospel to those we serve. Name 3 things that you do to show love for a person. Who is the most difficult person for you to love? Why?   Breathe in deeply and pray, then move forward and serve.

Celebrating Pentecost – Pentecost Sunday is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church, celebrated early enough to be mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (20:16) and St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians (16:8). It is the 50th day after Easter (if we count both Easter and Pentecost), and it supplants the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which took place 50 days after the Passover and celebrated the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai. Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13, or Galatians 5:16-25; John 20:19-23. If you have a chance to see A.D The Bible Continues, it is an eye opener. You will definitely want to read the acts. I am beginning to learn it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. We truly are all Blessed. Reflect on how your relationship with our Risen Lord affects your service to others.

Gift of the Spirit – Use these gifts in training Vincentians. Gift are used by serving Vincentians and to be present to each other and our families. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3. They are present in their fullness in Jesus Christ but are found in all Christians who are in a state of grace. We receive them when we are infused with sanctifying grace, the life of God within us—as, for example, when we receive a sacrament worthily. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. Infused with His gifts, we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as if by instinct, the way Christ Himself would. Pray for the gifts and serve well: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. It seems Fear of the Lord is often misunderstood in today’s language. We tend to think fear and hope are opposite; however fear of the Lord gives hope. The Holy Spirit brings this hope and the grace to receive it comes from God. Feel the Spirit in you.

May you always feel the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in all you do. Each one of you is in my prayers. Embrace the Trinity. It will be the greatest guide and friend ever. Pray for our youth, our brother and sister Vincentians and everyone we serve.

Blessings,

Lynn