“Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ.” A.W. Tozer, Protestant preacher and author (1897-1963)
The Lesson Plan 18A The Catholic Spirit Reflections on faith and spirituality M 26, 2011 Point your love toward God and you will be rewarded in heaven AY
esus promises his disciples that he will not leave them orphans but will send the Spirit of truth to them.
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It is the Holy Spirit, another advocate, who is the presence of God in a new way. He will help them discern what is truly good and will inspire them to do things beyond their natural capacity.
Sunday Scriptures Deacon Jonathan Kelly
It is the Holy Spirit who will dwell within them and inflame their hearts to love the Triune God, and as a consequence of their love for him, the disciples will long to hear and heed his voice.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The disciple who is in love does not count the cost or ask how far he can go before he breaks a commandment but keeps them with joy. In the Scriptures, there are countless examples of delighting in the will of God.
Readings Sunday, May 29 Sixth Sunday of Easter ■ Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 ■ 1 Peter 3:15-18 ■ John 14:15-21
For reflection Have you ever found the commandments burdensome? What did you do to change your perspective?
St. John wrote, “for the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.” Jeremiah said, “When I found your words, O Lord, I devoured them, they became my joy and the happiness of my heart.” And the psalmist wrote, “Happy the man who fears the Lord, who takes delight in all his commands.”
God knows our every need It can be easy to forget that the commandments are for us. God made us and he knows what will fulfill us. Jesus says in this same dialogue from today’s passage, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” He reveals to us the way, the truth and the life. Living according to his way is what it means to be fully human, and allows the Holy Spirit to animate our lives and to
come to “full stature in Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Keeping his commandments is simply the fruit of returning his love. The soul that loves God thirsts for truth, beauty and goodness like a “parched land that waits for rain” (Psalm 63:2). We are made to love. It is not a question of if we will love but rather, what we will love. The story of our life reveals what we have loved and sets a trajectory for our future and, ultimately, for eternity. May God be the object of our love. May the Holy Spirit inspire us to prove our love for him by keeping his commandments. May our lives reveal the delight of a disciple who spends himself for the Gospel, not counting the cost. May the trajectory of our life be set for heaven. Deacon Jonathan Kelly is in formation for the priesthood at the St. Paul Seminary. His home parish is St. Michael in St. Michael and his teaching parish is St. John the Baptist in New Brighton.
Daily Scriptures Sunday, May 29 Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:15-21 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth.” — John 14:16 Most of us can recall a conversation that included a few well-chosen words that remain with us for life. I still recall the words of a young religious sister who was guiding me through a retreat several decades ago. She simply said, “God couldn’t be more on your side.” When we are discouraged and feel lost, we can begin to think of the Holy Spirit only as the one who convicts us of doing wrong, rather than one who encourages and supports us even when we fail. Monday, May 30 Acts 16:11-15 John 15:26 — 16:4a Have you ever suffered because you refused to withhold compassion and mercy from someone considered an outcast by society? Tuesday, May 31 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Zephaniah 3:14-18a Luke 1:39-56 With whom do you share faith, hope and love? Wednesday, June 1 Justin, martyr Acts 17:15, 22 — 18:1 John 16:12-15
Humility opens us to the possibility that the Spirit is doing something new within and around us. Thursday, June 2 Acts 18:1-8 John 16:16-20 Pain doesn’t last forever, and what breaks our heart today may one day be transformed into joy. (Editor’s note: Ascension of the Lord, which was traditionally celebrated on Thursday, has been permanently transferred to the seventh Sunday of Easter in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to better allow parishioners to celebrate this special day together.) Friday, June 3 Charles Lwanga and his companions, martyrs Acts 18:9-18 John 16:20-23 When we wait in hope, we surrender our wishes and it is possible to trust something greater than our vision. Saturday, June 4 Acts 18:23-28 John 16:23b-28 What do you avoid asking for in prayer? Sunday, June 5 Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” — Acts 1:8
If you would have told me 15 years ago that one day I would be doing work that involves public speaking, I would have accused you of being delusional. Yet, when I am doing retreat work I am perfectly comfortable and at peace. When people tell me they could never speak in public, I assure them that at one time I believed the same thing. We sometimes forget that the Holy Spirit doesn’t just inspire us to act but also empowers us. Monday, June 6 Norbert, bishop Acts 19:1-8 John 16:29-33 It is humbling to realize that moments of grace and clarity do not prevent us from confusion and doubts in the future. Tuesday, June 7 Acts 20:17-27 John 17:1-11a Pray for a deeper awareness of the generosity, beauty and compassion of God. Wednesday, June 8 Acts 20:28-38 John 17:11b-19 If you knew you were about to die, what would your final words be to those you love? Thursday, June 9 Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the church Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 John 17:20-26 Unity requires humility.
Friday, June 10 Acts 25:13b-21 John 21:15-19 When has love pushed you beyond fear into action? Saturday, June 11 Barnabas, apostle Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3 John 21:20-25 What distracts you from your deepest call? Sunday, June 12 Pentecost Acts 2:1-11 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 20:19-23 “To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7 It had been a particularly difficult day and I was running low on faith, hope and — most of all — love. Exercise helps me relieve stress. So, when one of my daughters called and asked if I would like to walk around a nearby lake, I jumped at the offer. As I shared my frustration with her, I was delighted by her ability to really listen and surprised at her wisdom. Sometimes, we forget that the Spirit is given to all the members, including the young and those closest to us. The daily reflections are written by Terri Mifek, a member of St. Edward in Bloomington and a certified spiritual director at the Franciscan Retreat House in Prior Lake.