Fr. Kevin's Cluttered Desk
April 18, 2021
Once again, we are reminded of the journey to Emmaus and the two men who experience Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Jesus not only teaches them, but this time He opens their minds to understand the scriptures. This is seen as them receiving the Holy Spirit and as the purpose behind receiving the Holy Spirit. They have been commissioned to go out and teach all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. But you cannot teach what you do not understand. For example, I can read the bible but if I never go to a bible study class the only knowledge I am working with is my own, which I should know to be limited. Fr. Mike Schmitz is doing a podcast of “The Bible in a Year” (google/search: bible in a year). This is a great way to learn the scriptures, have your mind opened and get a better understanding of God’s word. There are other sources on the internet, like the “Busted Halo” podcasts, and for us old fashioned people there are books. It has impressed me how many of the books in the east entrance at Assumption Church are being picked up and returned (please sanitized before browsing.) There is Adoration every Tuesday with Confession, to experience the forgiveness and love of God.
We have by our baptism and confirmation received the Holy Spirit but the challenge for us, just like it was for the first disciples, is to put the gift of the Spirit into action. Receiving the gift is one thing, putting all seven gifts into action is a lifetime of work. There are days when the image of receiving the Holy Spirit reminds me of a two-year-old at Christmas who is more interested in playing with the box and wrapping then they are with the gift. Let me give you a few examples: The bride and groom spending more time on the reception and the meal planning than they do picking out the readings for their wedding, makes you wonder which is more important, the sacrament or the party. Or the child for confirmation or 1st Communion, where hours are spend finding the perfect outfit, but when the Mass is celebrated the child does not know the responses of the mass. Or the people who choose not to have a funeral service, because they think it is about them and forget about God and that those who are grieving are in need of closure on a very important part of their life (this includes more than family).
You have received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Are you still playing with the paper and the box?
Peace Fr. Kevin
We have by our baptism and confirmation received the Holy Spirit but the challenge for us, just like it was for the first disciples, is to put the gift of the Spirit into action. Receiving the gift is one thing, putting all seven gifts into action is a lifetime of work. There are days when the image of receiving the Holy Spirit reminds me of a two-year-old at Christmas who is more interested in playing with the box and wrapping then they are with the gift. Let me give you a few examples: The bride and groom spending more time on the reception and the meal planning than they do picking out the readings for their wedding, makes you wonder which is more important, the sacrament or the party. Or the child for confirmation or 1st Communion, where hours are spend finding the perfect outfit, but when the Mass is celebrated the child does not know the responses of the mass. Or the people who choose not to have a funeral service, because they think it is about them and forget about God and that those who are grieving are in need of closure on a very important part of their life (this includes more than family).
You have received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Are you still playing with the paper and the box?
Peace Fr. Kevin
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