The Gifts and the Fruits

 

For those of us who were confirmed by a bishop, may not remember the exact words that were used. In my case, it’s been so long, I’m not even sure if the words were in English or Latin.

 But today, with the consecrated Chrism Oil, the Bishop rubs the sign of the cross into your forehead saying “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”. And we responded with, “Amen”.

 It was at that moment, regardless of what language, the Holy Spirit entered our soul, even more powerful than at our baptism, blessing us with all the gifts we need to confront and battle the world, and the devil.

 The Holy Spirit, the Advocate is sent to us, by Jesus, to live in our being. The same advocate He sent to the Apostles on Pentecost; He sends to us. And why? Because, He loves us, and wants us to have all the gifts we need to be with Him in heaven. These are our resources, our tools to use, not to let stagnate.

 Pray often to the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of the faithful. Teach us and guide us along the way, forever blessing us with your gifts and encouraging us to be fruitful companions of Jesus Christ. Amen!

A friend in deed

 

In moments of happiness, and joy, as well as times of loneliness, depression, pain, and most of all when you just feel like crying, there is always someone there with you.

 Jesus tells us, “I am with you always, even to the end of time.” Do we see Him? No, but He is with us. Do we feel His presence? Some do, but He is there, sharing with us, our joys and our heart aches.

 And He tells us something else in Scripture confirming that He is always with us even from the beginning. For He tells us in Jerimiah, that, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you”.

 This very day, whether asleep or awake, inside of you is the Spirit of God, waiting and hoping that you spend some quiet time with your creator and your best friend, who is with you always.