Brother Jude Muscat
When we look at the beginnings of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in 1967, which began 2 years after the end of Vatican II and 70 years after the encyclical letter of Pope Leo XIII on the Holy Spirit; we recall the words of Pope John XXIII, who in preparation for the II Vatican Council asked all the faithful to pray for a new pentecostal “Outpouring of the Holy Spirit” This is what he prayed, “Renew Your wonders in this our day, as by a new Pentecost. Grant to Your Church that, being of one mind and steadfast in prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and following the lead of blessed Peter, it may advance the reign of our Divine Savior, the reign of truth and justice, the reign of love and peace. Amen”
Pentecost 1998 was another very special moment in the unfolding drama of the Holy Spirit’s action of this last century in the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II called the various ecclesial movements and new communities, born as fruits of the working of the Holy Spirit during this century to join him in St. Peter’s Square for the Pentecost vigil. It was the first gathering of this kind ever to take place and over fifty different ecclesial movements and new communities were represented, including the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, which began in USA in 1967.
Addressing those were had thronged St. Peter's Square Blessed Pope John Paul II stated that both the institutional and Charismatic aspects are gifts that are co-essential to the Church’s constitution. They contribute, although differently, to the life, renewal and sanctification of God’s people. It is from this providential rediscovery of the Church’s charismatic dimension that, before and after the council, a remarkable pattern of growth has been established for the Church and ecclesial movements and new communities.
We are called to live the charismatic dimension of the Church. The charisms in their nature are God's response to the needs of man. We in turn respond in praise and worship which includes all forms of prayer.
Liturgical Acts are acts of worship. It is our response to God. Praise is an act that follows our knowledge of God and our experience of receiving His love. When God reveals His glory, goodness to me I respond by falling on my knees. Worship is a response to God's revelation of Himself to us.
Isaiah 6:1-8
1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: two to cover the face, two to cover the feet, and two to fly with.
3 They were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh Sabaoth.
All the earth is filled with his Glory!”
4 At the sound of their voices the foundations of the threshold shook and the Temple was filled with smoke. 5 I said, “Poor me! I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips, and yet I have seen the King, Yahweh Sabaoth.”
6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me; in his hands was a live coal which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said,
“See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” I answered, “Here I am. Send me!”
Through the charisms God responds to the needs of His people provided we have open hearts that are willing to receive what He wants to pour out on us.
Baptism of fire and the Holy Spirit.
Restoration and new beginnings.
Dying to ourselves
Letting go of the world around us.
Laying down all at the feet Jesus.
God looks at the historical context in which we live and He gives us all the gifts we need.
Charisms indicate that God is among us. He heals because He wants to show us He is alive.
God heals to show us His power over death.
THE CHARISMATIC GIFTS
Brother Jude Muscat
The charismatic gifts are given to be used in service of the community. They help us to forget self and focus on others. They enable us to be of service to others. We are responsible for the gifts God has given us.
The gifts lie in the confirmation of the community.
A man or woman of pray will accept correction in humility.
THE POWER OF EVANGELISATION
Brother Jude Muscat
Ezekiel 47
Water flowing out of the temple
The only creature who stands in the will and way of God is man. We lie in a world that is killing the spirit of man and stealing the breath of life. Men are being drawn by the culture of death and fea. Be sensitive to the social structures around us.
Dare to be a Christian.
John 12, John 17 The Cross is the throne of glory
Realize and live the beauty of the Liturgy in your life
"Go in peace" we must believe that the streams of living water flows from the altar to us and flows out from us into the world.
We are called to live the glory of the Cross and we must move out of our comfort zone.
We go out with our eyes open with sensitivity to the needs of others. All need healing.
Evangelizing is bringing the healing power of God to man.
8th November 2011
A CALL TO LEADERSHIP IS A CALL TO COMMITMENT
Brother Jude Muscat
Acquiring wisdom needs commitment to silence.
Listen, reflect.
Without reflection life is meaningless space gives meaning to everything in life. Without space we cannot know the will of God in our lives. It is not about feeling but BEING. To grow in wisdom and the charisms find time for quiet.
We seek to be cured rather than to be cared for in the spiritual life.
There will always be obstacles and difficulties. It is necessary to be tested in order to know whether we are ready and it helps to get ready.
We must discern the will of God at every moment of our life.
A radical commitment to Jesus involves a readiness to be persecuted.
No comments:
Post a Comment