Our Great Commission

 ‘To search for God’ in our lives – and in our hearts and to choose Him – before anything else in the world! And then to share God – with all we meet. This is our Great Commission –  God’s PLAN is for us to ‘BE with Him!’  

I feel that we have an assignment form God — that we do not fully understand. Please bear with me as I try to unfold some of the History of what was completely unknown to me for the first 60 years of my life.

 I began to HEAR and SEE something about the Fruits and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit because of Fr. Terry’s teachings, – and the large FLAGS the he hung on the Altar for all to see. This opened my mind to ‘wonder’ about these ‘GIFTS’ that he spoke so much about!  I remember hearing about them  —  but not really learning about them!   A door was opened  in my mind – to search for MORE

Because of what the Apostles did back then —— 2000 years later we are a part of this ‘Great Commission.’ God calls each one of to ‘come to Him . . .  We do this by using the Gifts that He has given us to grow Closer to Him. Something that is important to begin this process is to learn how to   ‘Be still and know that I am God.” Taken from – the Greek-Hebrew-English Bible (Psalm 46: 10)

Because it is Scripture – and it is something that God – is asking us to do . . . We really need to find a way to do it. Prayer is ONE of our Directives from God. Another comes to us from Jesus – (Matthew 28: 16-20). “But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mount where Jesus appeared to them. And seeing Him, they worshiped Him. but they doubted.  –  And coming up Jesus talked with them, saying,    

”All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Going then, —  disciple all nations, — baptizing them into the Name of the Father — and of the Son — and of the Holy Spirit, — teaching them to observe all things, — whatever I commanded you. — And behold — I am with you all the days —- until the completion of the age. — Amen”

This is the ‘word by word’ translation from the ‘Original Greek ‘Text’ into English.

It shares with us what Jesus said to the Apostles — as he sent them forth into the world.       

 Jesus sent His First Disciples  ‘. . .out . . . to share everything that He had taught them …’

And He also sends us out. Their ability to do this was given to them by the  ‘Power from on High,” (Luke 24:49).

In our Confirmation – we receive the same ‘Power’ as they did;  It is the – Holy Spirit . . . sent to ‘Empower’ us to …  “Remember…”  and share all that Jesus taught.

Jesus ‘gave’ the disciples “His Body and Blood …” (Luke 22: 7-23; Matthew 26:26) at the Passover Meal on Holy Thursday evening. . .sharing His ‘Real Presence’

in ordinary Bread and Wine, to be shared with ‘Believers,’

“…until the end of the age.”

 We Receive His ‘Body and Blood’ from the Apostles of today; our Priests, who are being, “Sent forth …” in the same way that the first disciples were.”  This is meant to build up the Eucharistic Culture.

The Twelve Disciples became Jesus’ ‘First Witnesses,’ as they “went into the world,” as Jesus, “had commanded them.” From that point – it ‘Exploded by Thousands.’ We the Laity are important in this Commission.

 The ‘Kingdom of God’ … IS Meant to be A Eucharistic Culture!

You may wonder – ‘What is a ‘Eucharistic Culture,’ and what does it have to do with the Charisms?’ The ‘Charisms of the Holy Spirit’ are the WAY — that we ‘Build up the Kingdom of God!’

They ARE what Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give the Disciples on Pentecost – so they were able — to “Go out into the World to make disciples of all Nations.” The Eucharistic Culture IS — what the Apostles built —  as   –   they went about — “Doing what Jesus did.”

But first, there is a History that needs to be Understood — before we can fully understand and accept the Charisms into our lives. We need to go all the way back to the Creation of humanity . . . to ‘Understand” the depth – of God’s great love for Mankind

In (Genesis 1) we hear that –  God Desired — to SHARE all that He is . . .  with those He loved . . .  Which means; since He knew All Things – for All Time — He knew – and Loved  –    US    – just as we are today So – God Created the world — and all that is on it —and then — He created Man.                                    

HUMANITY – is God’s Masterpiece!

                                                             God said;

“… Let us make man in Our Image – after Our Likeness.” It is a ‘Spiritual Likeness’- that God is speaking of . .  He created us to live in Peace – and Harmony with each other –  and all the World! His Desire – from the beginning of time was –  to ‘BE’ – with His Creation –to ‘BE’ a part of their lives.  God wanted to “BE” in a Relationship with Adam and Eve.

From the moment of their creation, Adam and Eve had EVERYTHING THAT THEY WOULD EVER NEED to live completely as God had Created them to live. . .  (Genesis 1: 26-27)                                             

God Created them with – ‘Pre-ter-natural Grace’ . . .    Which is; “Favors’ – granted by God. ‘This Grace’ — includes three great privileges: 1) infused knowledge      —-     which is:(knowledge – that is not obtained by personal effort – or by someone teaching them —-  it is angelic — or Divine Illumination — God works directly on the mind. Which is basically — the ‘Isaiah Gifts’ that we receive in our Baptism. 2) absence of Concupiscence (a grace that made them unable to sin), and , 3) Bodily Immortality. ‘Adam and Eve possessed these before the fall.’

 These ‘gifts’ — were Supernatural – and gave Adam and Eve:  strength of Will — control of their senses — and emotions — as well as freedom — from suffering – and death.’

 ‘Another special gift that God gave Adam and Eve at their Creation was,     ‘Original Holiness – and Justice.’ Which is — ‘Sanctifying Grace’ ‘Original Justice’ – consisted of

• Sanctifying Grace, – that which perfects the soul
• the ‘Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ – are the ‘Isaiah gifts’
• and Infused Virtues; — especially the Theological and Cardinal Virtues. – ‘these help us create habits to love God’

 These ‘Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ – are the same ones that we receive with our Baptism – and that – are strengthened with our Confirmation.             They are:                      

• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• Understanding
• Fortitude
• Council
• Piety
• Fear of the Lord

These are from The Old Testament (Isaiah 11:2-3)- and I will explain about them in detail later.      

When Adam and Eve fell into temptation in the garden . . . and BROKE the Covenant with God – all the ‘’Pre-ter natural Graces of the Spirit’ – that were in them from the moment of their Creation . . . were gone! It was their Choice – to allow ‘Temptation’ — to override the ‘ONE Command’ that God had given Adam – when He placed Adam – in the Garden (Genesis 2:15-17), Adam could have stopped Eve with the simple words of, “God said Not to eat of this tree!” But . . . he also ate of it . . . and they broke the ‘Covenant of Divine Love’ that they were created with . . and altered the Effects of Grace in their lives – and the lives of all Humanity – till the end of time.

That was the ‘Original Sin’ of Mankind! From that moment forward – humanity became greedy – and allowed their senses to override their original Graces. The decision of Adam and Eve to choose to ‘disobey’ — God’s directive to Adam – – – was costly to Everyone . . . Beginning with God!

In God’s plan — His Covenant with Adam and Eve was – that – if they would – Obey — His command – “to increase and multiply, – and to fill the earth and subdue it,”   and – especially the command forbidding them “not to eat of the tree of good and evil, – or they would surely die.” They would be able to KEEP – all that they had been given.  “Surely Die.”  means – “Spiritual death – not physical!” God Created them with the ability to CHOOSE to accept the Love that He had so freely given them – or to reject it . .  With their decision to follow the lead of the serpent – they altered the course of LIFE as God had designed it to be.

We also hear in (Genesis 3:8): “… When they heard the sound of the Lord God moving about in the Garden at the breezy time of day, they hid themselves. ‘ What that means – is – that – God – was in the garden every evening with them — Being a part of their lives . . . (in one of the Bibles that I reference — the Footnotes say) – ‘In Palestine – a cool breeze – blew in from the Sea of Galilee in the evening.’ Sounds like a wonderful place to meet with God.

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And – Because – sin . . . entered humanity for all time – their relationship with God — lost its Blessings and its Intimacy . . . we – are created with that same ability to ‘choose,’ God ‘—or — our own desires.

• Adam and Eve destroyed their relationship between ‘’God and man,’ through sin and self-centeredness.
• God gives us the ‘Spiritual Gifts’ for us to be able to come back to the Simple Faith — that mankind once had in the Garden of Eden.

• Once we are ‘IN CHRIST’  we need to leave the world behind to follow Jesus.’          Period!            

 God’s “original Plan’ has NOT Changed!  He still wants to spend ‘Eternity’ with all His Created Humanity! But . . . Original sin has now Altered the Rules and Now Mankind — would have to Choose – God, over human Sensations and desires.

I don’t know what happened from the moment  when the birth of human weakness,  overrode the Goodness, and the ‘Special Graces’ God Blessed them with, until the time when Jesus came forth from the Heavens to become the ‘Last Covenant’  between God and mankind, But the effects of sin have made it harder for humanity to have a Relationship with God, but God’s Plan for Eternity with HIS BELOVED . . . has never change. We – ARE HIS BELOVED! Each one of us can claim that place in His heart.

But The rules HAD to Change!  Now  we must choose God over the world!  All mankind – is loved and desired by God. It is when we decide to allow the Holy Spirit to use us in truly Mystical ways (through the Charisms) that we then  become His Masterpiece!

There is a little more  that I need to share with you about the History of Pentecost, hopefully it will help you understand what the Charisms are all about and How it all connects to Our Job of Building a Eucharistic Culture. 

I’m sharing this with all of you because I don’t feel that we really understand the History behind why ‘Any’ of the Spiritual Gifts are given to us! They are given to help us fight off the evil one.

God made another Covenant with His people the night before Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.  That was ‘The First Passover.’ It took 50 days to travel from Egypt to Mt Saini. There, on that mountain, God gave Moses the ‘Law’, ‘The Torah.’ The Ten Commandments were in the Torah. The First Five Books of our Bible are the whole Torah. (The Pen-ta-teu-ch. Read the front pages of your Bible if you want to know and understand more.

 I bought a Hebrew-Greek-English Bible, so that I could get the original words that were written by the ‘Writers of Scripture.’It seems to me – that every ‘Translation’- into a different language or a NEW EDITION changes the meaning ‘Just a little bit.’Here are ‘the original Hebrew words in Scripture.’               

In (Exodus 23:14-19) God tells His people this:

 “Three times a year you shall celebrate a pilgrim feast to Me, you shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  As I have commanded you, You must eat Unleavened Bread for seven days at the prescribed time of the month of Abib,  for it was then that you came out of Egypt. No one shall appear before me empty-handed.  (I believe that is the command to tithe)

“You shall also keep the feast of the grain harvest with the first of the crop that you have sown in the field, and finally, – the Feast of the fruit harvest, at the end of the year, when you gather in the produce of the fields.Thrice a year shall all your men appear before the Lord your God.”

The Hebrew people were mandated by God Himself, in The Torah, to make a Pilgrimage to the Temple- three times a year to offer a Sacrifice of their ‘First harvests’ to the Lord God, .

 One of the Celebrations was –

‘Feast of Wheat’ – – – Which was also called ‘Pentecost.’ This happened 50 days after the Passover in Egypt, all of it – is called ‘The Feast of Weeks,”

This Feast – – –

 was the reason that the people of ‘all the Hebrew Nations’

were in Jerusalem on this day – – –

Which – – – was the ‘Birth of the Church’ —

₊₊₊₊₊

So, this is why so many people who spoke different

languages and dialects were present

to ‘Witness the unusual happenings of

‘the Power of the Holy Spirit ‘- – –

as He descended upon the Disciples of Christ  – – –

In that ‘Upper Room’

and ‘…Clothed them in the Power… ‘

(Acts 2:2)

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(21)

This Experience — Is — ‘The New Pentecost!’

(Acts 2:2-6). (G-H-E Bible)

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“And in the fulfilling of the Day of Pentecost, they were all with one mind in the same place.

 And was suddenly out of Heaven  –  a sound as being born of a wind violent, –

and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

(22)

And appeared to them – being distributed — tongues — as of fire, –

it sat — on each one of them.

And they were filled – all — of (the) Spirit Holy, – and began to speak in other languages – as the Spirit – gave to them to speak.”

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(23)

“And Jews were living in Jerusalem, – devout men from every nation of those under the heaven.

But this sound occurring,

 the multitude came together and were confounded,

because they each heard them speaking in his own dialect.”

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 (24)

John Gill – a Calvinist Baptist born: 1697,

expresses the significance of this  in his commentary:

“Through this baptism of the Holy Ghost – and fire,   

 the apostles became more knowing,

and had a greater understanding of the mysteries of the Gospel,

and were more qualified –

to preach it to people of all nations – and languages.”

THROUGH — the ‘Fruits of the Holy Spirit.”

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This is the same – ‘Infused Knowledge’ – that Adam and Eve were given at their creation!

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After Jesus’ Ascension when the Disciples were Waiting …

in (Luke 24:29), it states, “Other Languages” —

this — was Infused Knowledge — and Divine Illumination – from the Holy Spirit – working directly on their minds,

to give them an ability that they did not previously possess.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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(25)

Christ  – – – poured out His Blood  – – – for the forgiveness of our sins!

The Holy Spirit – – pours out the very essence of Jesus – –

Our Lord and Savior – –

upon each one who will allow Jesus to lead them in their lives.

(26)

So, the first ‘Spiritual Gift known as a Charism’ –

that was ever given –

was the gift —  of —  ‘New Language’ –

now called  ‘Tongues.’

Depending on the scripture translation.

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The people in the city heard the ‘sound’ also.

And wondered what was going on!

So, when they heard — the ‘sound –  of the wind’ –

they came to investigate the noise . . . 

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When they heard the Disciples speaking . . .

And understood in their own languages —

they were amazed!

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(27)

Pentecost- IS  – ‘The Birthday of the Church!’

The Church began with the Disciples in that Room

— With the Charism of ‘TONGUES – or Languages.’

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From these words of Scripture,

I believe that this Charism –

was the FIRST to be Given –

Received –

and then used “to Build up the Kingdom of God!’

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The hard part for me is that this – ‘Gift’ —

 is the most ‘mis-understood’ today.

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• If that is how ‘Building up of the Church’ began . . .

 How could it possibly be WRONG today? ! ?

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• Jesus shares this Celebration of the Harvests with us — through –

asking us to be His Disciples!
Just like He asked the Disciples 2000 years ago.

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We are each called — to help bring in the Harvest of Souls!

We — are able to do this — through the

Sacraments —- and the Charisms!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(28)

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     In Bishop Barron’s teaching on November 30, 2019, he said,

“In (Matthew 4:18-22) Jesus says while He was calling His First disciples,

“Come after Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

There is so much packed in that simple line.

Notice the way that God acts.

He is direct, – in your face.

He does the choosing.

Jesus is not offering a doctrine, a theology, or set of beliefs.   

He is offering Himself: “Become My disciple,  –

(which means) – (apprentice to Me!)

     “And I will make you fishers of men.”

     “This is one of the best one-liners in Scripture.

God is the Creator, the one who makes us from nothing.

And what He makes us – is always a reflection of Himself –

‘a fisher of men.’

That was from (Bishop Robert Barron – Word on Fire).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++   

(29)

The Holy Spirit – ‘Invaded the church’ . . .!
Those are words we can picture!!!

“The Holy Spirit filled ‘the Church’ with power  

“and added 3,000 new believers that Day!”

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(30)

The Church – Was Built upon ‘Peter and the Disciples!  —

Through the ‘Fruits – Gifts – and Charisms!

       Jesus started this – with Twelve Disciples that traveled with Him all about the countryside – and they learned from Him. Even though they could not understand everything that Jesus taught them at the time — The Holy Spirit was able to – ‘REMIND THEM’ of everything   —   when they needed it  — to,

“Be my WITNESES . . .“

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What He taught them was the ‘Ways of God’s Love.’

The ‘Path’ — that Jesus left us to follow —– is —– the Beatitudes.’  

    God helps us spread the Message – by giving us the ‘Isaiah Gifts.’

(31)

 ‘Isaiah Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ are found in (Isaiah 11:2-3)

• Wisdom

• Knowledge
• Understanding
• Fortitude
• Council
• Piety
• Fear of the Lord
  • Joy

(32)

And the ‘Fruits of the Holy Spirit’ are found in Galatians, Romans, Ephesians and more, — given to us -as a method to Share the Love of God.

• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Charity
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Generosity
• Gentleness
• Faithfulness
• Modesty
• Chastity
• Self-control  

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

                                                                     (33)

The New Pentecost — was the EMPOWERMERT of all of this for the Disciples to Build up the Kingdom of God through the Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit!

 They are given to each one who will follow Jesus to the Cross and Beyond.

Jesus started ‘His Church’ … On Pentecost.

He and His Father sent – Their Spirit of Divine Love.’ – to help each one of us to become an Apostle of Christ!

                                                                     (34)

ALL Charisms – should be common-day practices

of ‘Sharing God’s Love with another’.

They were common day for Jesus and the Disciples while He lived with us on earth . . .  And for the Apostles and Disciples that carried on

His Work for Him.          Jesus asked them to;

“Go out into the world and make Disciples of all nations.”

That is truly all that a Charism is!

• A SHARING OF God’s love with another . . .
• With the Goal of Bringing them to Christ

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• If we say that we Trust God – we must find a way in our Humanness – to show our Trust.

The ‘Gift of Languages’, — ‘Tongues,’ — was given –

 to share the message that the ‘Kingdom has come.’  

So they would be able to – PREACH / TEACH  – what Jesus taught them through their three years of traveling with Him.

• The ‘preaching and teaching’ – (both are Charisms) – continued this way for several hundred years. With the church growing by thousands
• I don’t know why they quit preaching in what became known as ‘Tongues’
• But as this speaking in tongues decreased — so did the massive growth of the Church.
• Just look back through the history of the church.

 (35)

Jesus said, “Do not be afraid,” He means that!        

No one will be given the ‘Gift of Tongues or Languages’

without a Desire for it –

or –

for God the Father to desire it for you.

++

Your heart needs to be open to receiving the ‘Gifts’

that God wants to give you to help – ‘Build up His Kingdom!’

Believe!   –    God — does not want us to be afraid . . .

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Holy Spirit was Prophesied in the Old Testament

and Promised by Jesus in the New.                                                  

(36)

Jesus promised that His Spirit  –  would be the Helper for His people, (in John 14:26)

“But the Comforter,    the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in My name,

He will teach you all things,

and remind you of all things that I have said to you.

I leave peace to you.

My peace I give to you.

I do not give as the world gives.

Let not your hearts be troubled,

nor let it be timid.”

(37)

We know that the Holy Spirit – split the ‘Red Sea’

and built two walls of water to let the Israelite’s pass through.

(Exodus 14 and Acts 2)

That Was both ‘Mystery   –   and Mystical!’

This is what Pentecost is all about.

‘Mystery   –   and Mystical!’

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Our Humanity – makes it hard – to understand the ‘Mystical.’

₊₊₊₊₊₊

₍₃₈₎

Through the Charisms – we are called to ‘Help with the Harvest!’

What that means — is — that — once we are in the ‘fold’ of Jesus –

Our Shephard –

we are then expected to help others to come, follow Jesus.’

We each – are the Intended Harvest!

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(39)

Pentecost Gives us

‘the Power of the Holy Spirit’

The same Power that He gave the Disciples

over 2000 years ago.

 “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.” (Hebrews 13:8)

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(40)

Jesus sent the Apostles out into the world to

“Build up the Kingdom of God.” with this task:

(41)

All Discipleship begins from this point.

This is the beginning of

“Building a Eucharistic Culture!

 “Many are called . . .’  but, few – choose to follow.”

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(42)

  In (Luke 22: 14-22) (in the Hebrew – Greek – Bible)

 Scripture says, (actual translation)

“When came the hour ,

He reclined, – and the twelve apostles with Him.

And He said to them;

“With desire – I desired this Passover

To eat with you,

before the, – Me to suffer.”

(why would He DESIRE TO EAT THIS

PARTICULAR — Passover — with them?

(They couldn’t know, it was the moment –

that would bring about the New Covenant with God.)

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     And taking a cup, having given thanks, He said,

(43)

“Take this and divide among you,

 I say to you, in no way I drink from the produce of the vine

until when – the Kingdom of God comes.”

And taking a loaf,

having given thanks,

He broke,

and gave to them, saying,

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“This is the Body of Me, –

for you being given;

this — do – for – My, remembrance.”

In like manner, And the cup after having supped, —

He took the cup, saying,

“This cup is the New Covenant in the Blood of Me,

For you being poured out.

But, behold,

the hand of the betrayer of Me – with Me on the table.

And indeed, the Son of man goes —

according as what was determined.”

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With those words —

Jesus was transforming ordinary bread —

and ordinary wine —

into his own Body and Blood . . .

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so that He could — remain with us forever.

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He also instituted the Priesthood that night

by giving them the privilege of being able to

“. . . do for My rememberence…”

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(44)

Our Holy Mass is both ‘Mystery and Mystical.”

     This is a picture of Fr. Julius, just after Consecration -at a morning Mass at St. Monica’s — just before He went back to Africa.

Do you see the Holy spirit over Fr. Julius’s heart?

The Holy Spirit is present like this at every Mass

all around the world.

This – is both —  

 (45)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++                    

At that Passover Supper, — Jesus was building a

‘Eucharistic Culture.’

The Disciples were told to;

‘Go out into the world and make disciples of all nations.”

(46)

those words: “divide this among you . . .”

spoken over His Blood in the Chalice —

+++

have so much passion in them —

It is what Jesus wants us to do with His Gifts!

+++

 “divide this among you . . .”

“Divide (SHARE) – His Sacrifice among those who will listen!”

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Jesus is such a gentleman

that He will not force Himself upon anyone. . .

we must open our hearts to receive Him . . .

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     (47)

We Charismatics —are called to ‘lead the way’ in Building a ‘EUCHARISTIC CULTURE’ in our world!

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We have everything that we need with our Spiritual Gifts —-

of the ‘Fruits – Isaiah Gifts – and the Charisms of the Holy Spirit.”

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That is why they were given to us . . .

to repair a ‘Broken Culture’ . . .

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Together . . . we can do this!

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 It begins with ‘Trustful – Surrender to Jesus’ –

 and then allowing the ‘Power of the Holy Spirit’ to work in us.

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 (48)

We ‘Charismatic Christians’ — 

are CALLED

TO BUILD A ‘Eucharist Culture!’

Old Philosophy — new Terminology

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(49)

The Apostles were sent forth to

 Build this Eucharistic Culture that I am speaking of . . .

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They accomplished their goal,

 or we would not be here today –

 Believing — in the ‘Message’ of Salvation.

(50)

(Philippians 4: 19) states, that God will supply all our needs.

(Matthew 28: 16-20) we are sent forth into the world to spread this Kingdom of God.

 (1Corinthians 12 through 14) teaches us how to do our part.

(51)

Jesus left us His own Spirit to be with us forever . . .

to be our guide, to help us ‘Build up the Kingdom of God,’

Jesus also left us with

His Body – Blood – Soul – and – Divinity

in His Most Holy Eucharist

 so that we would never be alone in this world that is filled with darkness.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 (52)

A ‘Eucharistic Culture’ is Born – when we can love —- as we have been loved.

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So, what is Love?                 

      In the Greek language there were 4 types of love: the two that we want to discover:

• Philios – strong bond between friends who share common values, interests or activities.

It is a high level of love — because it is freely chosen.

It grows — out of companionship — and

is a deeply appreciative love.

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• AGAPE – Is Unconditional Love.

It is a love – that is a self-sacrificing – love of God —- for humanity.

(53)

Jesus . . . LOVED . . . with ‘AGAPE’ Love!

beyond ALL Human Measure!

AGAPE love — is when – He gave His LIFE . . . for us!

(54)   

SO that we

‘could’ Live in eternity – with the Trinity. . .

(55)   

 His Mercy –

was ‘released with the “Lance that pierced His side.”

(John 19:34)

(Pause)

Jesus, drowned —- in His own Mercy . . .

And STILL does . . . when we reject His Mercy.

Jesus tells us from the Cross,

“I DID THIS FOR YOU!”

(55)

(56)

This depicts that Jesus was not alone in His Sacrifice.

Up in the left-hand corner — The Spirit of God’s Love  –

 is WITH Jesus — and the Father –

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The Picture show’s His death

but not the extent of His Suffering

I think – that  – sometimes – –  we forget – how great it was.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(WAIT)

(57)

     After His Resurrection, Jesus was with His Disciples on the shore – eating with them  — He asked Peter, (John 21:15)

‘Do you Agape Me (sacrificial love)?  Peter answered, Yes Lord, I Philios You (Brotherly love)!

Again, Jesus asked, Peter, do you Agape Me? Yes Lord. You know I Philios You!

Then Jesus came down to Peters level, and asked, Peter,

‘Do you Philios Me.’ And Peter said, “Yes Lord, I Philios You!”

(I John 4: 8) “He who does not love – does not know God; – for God is love.”

John 3:16) “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”

We each need to “Be Thankful for the Scars”

that Jesus endured for us!

 (58)

Scripture says,

“This is my Commandment, that you love one another,

even as I have loved you.” (John 15”17)

+++++

This same sacrificial Love . . .

is what ‘Builds a Eucharistic Culture.’

+++++

Jesus calls each one of us to;

“Come, Follow Me.” (Matthew 4:19)

We each will find ‘Our own Special way to ‘Follow Him,’

when we surrender –

‘to His Gift of Love.’   

(59)

• Jesus’ ‘Gift of Love,’ — is the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit’s Gift of love – is the Spiritual Gifts from the Father, – which become – our ‘Way of Perfection.’
• The Holy Spirit Delivers the Gifts that the Father WILLS –

+++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Disciples

were ‘Baptized in the Holy Spirit’ on Pentecost –

in that Upper Room –

where they were waiting

to be “clothed in the Spirit.”

They were the First to ‘Go out into the world”

to begin the process of

 ‘Building a Eucharist Culture.”

+++++

As Baptized in Christ, we are each called to do the same.

A Eucharistic Culture is built – when we put other’s needs – before our own.

It is what Jesus did here on earth.

It is what the Apostles did when they were sent forth to

 “Do what Jesus did.”

It is what we can do —  when we ‘Trustfully-Surrender’

Ourselves to Jesus –

and imitate His life here on earth.

We can do what Jesus did –

when we turn away from earthly pleasures –

 and seek – ‘Spiritual Treasures’. . .

They are more precious that Gold!

+++

(60)
A Eucharistic Culture – is – where we —- the Apostles –

 ‘bring Jesus to His people’-

in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, and –

 in His Word;

to transform them into — ‘the People of God!’

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++

 38 Min      pg 37

10min for Questions

BREAK

(62)

Talk 2

INTERIOR PRAYER

     I was a Cradle Catholic. – Baptized as an infant. – I went to a Catholic Grade School, Public High School and never was asked to attend religious Education classes, I not sure why — but I do know that I never went.  I was faithful at attending Sunday Mass – heard Homilies all my life – As a young adult after High School – through to the age of 60, I was involved in Retreats and Christian groups. I could hear God ‘Calling’ my name . . . but I don’t think – that I knew how to answer. I didn’t know how to put all the puzzle pieces together.

     I don’t remember being taught the deep Truths of our Faith in a way that I could understand. Throughout my life, I tried to follow the Beatitudes and the Prayer of St. Francis – and I thought that was enough.

      Our Journey through life – sometimes opens doors- that – If — we choose to go through – will help us discover what God has always intended for us.

     My Journey — about 15 or 20 years ago led me to St. Ann’s Church with Fr. Terry Cassidy as the Pastor.

He spoke about the ‘Fruits, Gifts and the Charisms’ a great deal.

He had ‘Flags’ of the Fruits and the Gifts on the altar for all to see –which remained there for most of the Church year. But I still -couldn’t understand ‘WHY’ — they were supposed to be important for my life – or –‘HOW’ they worked — or — HOW I KNEW – if I even received them in my Confirmation.

     I don’t remember ‘FEELING’ — any different after the Bishop – ‘Slapped my face’ – so —— how do I know – if I received them?

     I meandered through my life with work and family being my Priority. I was a ‘Good Person’ – who didn’t understand what Sin was all about – even though I was a faithful – ‘Practicing Catholic.’

      God kept ‘Tugging at my heart’ through my sister Bonnie. Many of you knew her. Bonnie never gave up on me.

     She kept – p-a-t-i-e-n-t-l-y — inviting me to the Healing Mass at St. Ann’s. I always seemed to be busy . . . because I ALWAYS said, ‘YES’ – to overtime – after all – the patients needed to be cared for.

    But – one evening —- I didn’t have an excuse. So, I went with her to the Healing Mass. It didn’t seem much different than our Sunday Masses – but they did ‘Sing’ —- in words that I couldn’t understand.  –But – the melody was – BEAUTIFUL!

     I began going with her to the weekly prayer group there and started searching for more of God. This opened my heart to ‘Receive’ what God wanted me to have. I was Reluctant about receiving the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — because I didn’t understand anything about what was going on. – I remember saying to someone – “No, I’m fine just the way I am.” ‘But — I  kept coming back to try to DISCOVER – what was going on.   —- I did not let myself give up.  I didn’t ask questions  —–  I silently  — observed!

     After coming to the prayer group weekly, – and the ‘Catholic Faith in Action Classes’ several times – I still — didn’t REALLY — Understand much about it. I think that I was going through the motions – because —  I couldn’t understand any of it.

     I believe that God was leading me to a path that I could follow! — A Slow Journey – one – that I could —– digest —— while – I was on the road.

     What awakened me — was a ‘Watch’ retreat at St. Sharbel’s Church, in 2012. It was the ‘Reconciliation Talk’ – that took me to the Confessional with – ‘two’ sins that I had not recognized as sins . . . 

     Two weeks later I experienced conversion in the confessional –—– t-h-a-t — was dramatic to say the least! 

What I experienced – in that Confessional –

was nothing short of a MIRACLE!

     After confessing a LIFETIME of – burdens – wounds – sins – hurts – and

 self-inflicted pain —- I reached for the ‘LIST’ in my purse that I had written all of them on – and – as I lifted it out of my purse – that Priest – Jesus’ Chosen Shepherd for me —– pointed to it – and looked up at me – and said; “Is -THAT – what we have been talking about?” I said, “YES.”

     As he reached for the paper – and took it from my fingers, — I heard him say;

“Give them to me!   They are yours no longer!   They are mine now!”

     At the same moment – that he was saying those words —- he drew the paper up near his heart — and began shredding them – into tiny pieces . . .   I watched his hands — and heard his words – and he placed the pieces — of my life burdens – into his left chest pocket – near his heart.        I can’t describe what that did to my own heart …

     What happened next was all simultaneous. This Shepherd —- was a big man — with light hair — and light blue eyes.

     As my gaze – went from his hands — to his face – I was looking into the ‘Face of Jesus’ — a small man with dark hair and dark eyes . . . His eyes were so full of Compassion and love.   I was shocked — to say the least!       

     At that same moment — I felt like — ‘Ice Cold Holy Water’ was being showered upon me (to Cleanse me from all my burdens and sins) — and – I ‘Took in a HUGE— DEEP Breath!’ I knew it was the ‘Breath of God’ –- breathing ‘New Life’ — into me!   

     It was the Holy Spirit — who Showered me with the ‘Forgiving Graces’ from the Father —- and it was Jesus’ face — and eyes — that I was looking into!

     This moment was ‘MYSTICAL !’

     This moment was REAL !

This moment was an ‘Encounter with God’ –

In all three Persons of the Trinity!

     This moment –– Transformed my life – from being — ‘in the world’ –

to stepping —- on the ‘Narrow Path with Jesus — and the Holy Spirit as my ‘Guides.’

I have not been the same since!

I CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF JESUS!!!

I Thank and Praise God for calling me to Himself.

+++++

I was 63 years old when this happened!

It’s not like I had ‘never’ been to confession before!

But – I feel it was my ‘Second’ – ‘REAL’ — confession!

The ‘First one’ was just two weeks before – when Jesus showed me ‘TWO’ sins that I had not recognized as sin.

That I thought was part of my normal humanity.

+++

Looking back on that time – I realize that it was — my humanity!

But — not what my Spirituality was supposed to be about.

They are NOT supposed to be separate! 

 Because — it is our humanity –

 that leads us to our Spiritual Eternity!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I think that God gave me this beautiful – ‘Mystical Experience’ – because of my DEEP Contrition!

I don’t remember understanding ‘HOW’ – ‘what I did in my life’ — effected my spiritual relationship with God.

I thought that ‘My Humanity — and my Spirituality —

were — separate . . .

+++++

Looking back on that experience – I feel it was my TRUE ‘Baptism in the Holy Spirit!’

I feel — like I was — ‘Saul’ — and had to be ‘KNOCKED’ – to my senses!

+++++

It was a Powerful — ‘Mystical’ Moment — that Transformed my entire life — from just going through the motions of living –

as a Catholic Christian —

to Searching for an ‘A-B-U-N-D-A-N-T’ —- life — in Christ!

+++++

Jesus – MET me in the DARKNESS of my life – and TRANSFORMED me into a child of God!

(63)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++?

As my life changed from a ‘P-R-A-C-T-I-C-I-N-G Catholic —- to a Charismatic Catholic —-

I began falling in love with Jesus …

by spending ‘TIME’ — with Him — in front of the Tabernacle

And in attending daily Mass.

I created – ‘Quite time Prayer’ – I didn’t know what to call it –

but – the Holy Spirit – taught me to be – ‘SILENT.’

And Scripture — through ‘The Liturgy of the Hours’-

 became important to me.

Everything began in small increments.

+++++     ?

     Discovery — and implementation — of what the ‘Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ – are meant for my life – have opened a whole new horizon for me.

     My “Baptism in the Spirit” – happened to me in April of 2012. It was after that moment in the Confessional – that I decided to come to daily Mass – and then discovered they were praying the Rosary –  and then –– I noticed that they were just finishing reading from the ‘Little Red book that was in the pews.

     Over a ‘time span’ of a few weeks of coming to daily Mass – I discovered the other prayers and devotions. – and began to – ‘MISS’ them if I was not there.

That following Pentecost – May 29, 2012 — was another –

Powerful ‘Infilling of the Holy Spirit.’

      Through a prayer team – after The Holy Mass on Pentecost – I ‘Rested in the Spirit’ — in a way that was a —– T-o-t-a-l – Surrender — of my body – to God!

+++++

     This Relationship with God – Begins – when you are able to give your heart to Jesus – and allow Him to love you – right where you are.

Jesus always comes to meet us where we are.

Remember the Divine Mercy Picture.

He comes to us while we are still in the darkness of our lives.

And – He sends his ‘Spirit of Love’ – to walk this Journey with us.

+++++

Trying to describe this moment with God – is difficult – but I will try too — so that those who have not experienced it before – won’t be afraid.

+++

     When we go to a Prayer Team to be ‘prayed with’ – ‘They’ – are using their Charisms— that are linked to – ‘Healing through Jesus’ – and through their prayers – the Holy Spirit F-I-L-L-S us – with the love of God!      Sometimes it is so powerful – that we –TRUSTFULLY- SURRENDER our person — to Jesus —— and allow the Holy Spirit to — ‘FLOOD’ us — with the Divine Love of God – which results in being HUGGED by the Holy Spirit!  

     This ‘Hugging’ – may – relax us so much – – that we drop to the floor – and rest in Jesus’ arms.

As we surrender to this ‘Mystical Power” –

We experience ‘Union – with God.’

It is manifested in many ways.

Each time will be unique – meant to draw you closer- and closer to God.

+++++

‘Interior Prayer’ – follows along the pattern of

 ‘Infilling of the Holy Spirit.’

+++

When you learn to – ‘Trustfully- Surrender’ — to God

in your allotted Prayer time,

‘God’ – COMES to meet you – there – where you are . . .

This is the place where God  “INFUSES us’ –

with the Spiritual Gifts that He wants us to have!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God NEVER fails to come to you –even if you don’t experience anything.

+++  

He may be doing ‘quiet’ work inside of you that will change your heart in some way.

 It only takes Him a ‘Millisecond’ — to do the work He wants to do in you – it may take you 20 minutes or more to reach the quiet place where this happens.

It’s all about – our ‘Self-surrender’ – to God.

God – Leads my life –through this Prayer . . .

+++++

      It will be eight years this coming June – that I have been giving myself to God in prayer in this way – and NONE of my ‘touching’s’ – from God have ever – been the same.

It is never boring.

     Most often –    I receive great Peace and consolation. But the ultimate for me – is the ‘TEACHINGS’ —that the Lord imparts to me in my prayer.

 I experience many of the Charism’s during Prayer and after ––

 Like: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discernment, Teaching.

I wrote this book – “Christ in our Midst,’ – through the ‘Stirrings of the Holy Spirit’ —during my Prayer — and after …

I FOUND many ‘Messages’ in my Journaling.

+++++

     There is a whole wide world of ‘Mysticism’ waiting to be discovered in your prayer – that God — Graciously wants to share with you!

 Scripture says 365 times – “Do not be afraid.” One for every day of the year.

So, don’t allow yourself to be afraid – of anything that is about God.

I have experienced Many – ‘Infillings of the Holy Spirit’ — since that Confession – that have changed my life.

They come with our ‘Trustful- Surrender’ – to God.

(64)

Prayer is a way to discover who we are in God and –

our work for God.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=++++++++++++

Part – of the Great Commission is:

to be taught to Pray — the way Jesus did.

+++++

Before Jesus sent the Disciples forth – He gave them the example of –

‘With-drawing’ — to a quiet place — and then when asked —

He taught them how to pray.

In, (Matthew 4:1-11),  Jesus, “was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. . . “ 

And He was there 40 days by Himself to be strengthened . . .

 (except for the devil to tempt Him) –

Jesus taught by Example –—

He would quiet Himself – and then – Commune with His Father.”

 (Luke 5;16)

+++++

It was evident from Luke’s Gospel that Jesus prays often.

 (Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; and 28).

Jesus disciples had no doubt noticed this – because – In (Luke 11:1);

(65)

one of the Disciples said to Jesu;

‘Lord, teach us to pray, even as also John has taught the disciples of him. He said to them,

‘When you pray, say, Father Our, – who in the heavens, – holy be the name of you; – let come the kingdom of you, – let be done the will of you,-  as in Heaven,-  also on the earth.-  The bread of us – the needed -give us day by day. – And forgive us the sins of us, – also for ourselves we forgive everyone indebted to us. – And do not lead us into temptation, – but deliver us from evil.”  From the (G-H-E Bible)

+++++

First – we must:

• Make the TIME to Pray. There are many forms of prayer:
  • Oral — in Community,

Holy Mass, Rosary, Chaplets, Stations, Benediction, etc.

• Oral — in private,

the same as above – but completed in your heart.

• Adoration

• Always – SHOW-UP.
• Keep your VOW to Jesus. He – is a Gentleman –
• He will always keep His Promise to you.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(66)

+++++

Our Great Commission is not just – 

about reaching out into the world with our Charisms —

 in order to build up the Kingdom of God —

It is first – about REACHING inward —-

into ourselves . . . to build our Relationship with God!

+++++

We come to personal prayer with God –

By the action of reaching inward . . .

(67)

 ‘Interior Prayer’ – is the Prayer – Designed for us – by Jesus –

to bring humanity into — ‘Communion – and – Community’ –

with the Trinity.

+++++

2/23/20 — I heard this in my Prayer time:

 ‘Interior Prayer’ is about allowing God – to lead you to the place of discovery – of who you are – in Him.”

It can also lead you to recognition of your Charisms.

+++++

Once again — It may take us 20 minutes —

to reach the place where Contemplation happens.

It depends totally – on —- how fast —- and completely –

 we are able to

 ‘Quiet ourselves’ – and – ‘BE Released’ –

from the world of – ‘stress and noise’ – that threatens –

our place of ‘Solitude’ – with God!

+++++

This is what ‘Interior Prayer’ is all about.

Creating a ‘Quiet Place’ where –

God — Our Creator – and Lord of our lives . . .

Can express – His Divine Love – to our Souls . . .

+++

Humanity – coming to this ‘space’ – in our souls . . .

 where — ‘Union’ – takes place . . .

Has been – God’s desire – from the ‘beginning of time!

++++++++++

I think that Our Soul – is – the place where our heart and mind intersect – like the ‘Intersection of the Cross’ – where Jesus — is the Mediator.’

+++++++++

God, – being with Adam and Eve in the Garden, –

in the “Cool of the evening . . .”

++

was – a ‘Mystical Experience of Prayer.’

+++++

This is what God desires to experience with each one of His ‘Created Beings.’ — That includes ‘YOU – and ME.’

++++++++

     Prayer stems from the Isaiah Spiritual Gift of ‘Piety.’

+++

   Pope Francis – said in a series of talks on the ‘Gifts of the Holy Spirit,’ “That Piety — is the recognition of ‘our belonging to God,’ — our deep bond with Him is a relationship that gives meaning to our whole life – and keeps us resolute, – and in communion with Him, — even – during the most difficult – and troubled moments.   ––  Piety is not – a mere outward religiosity, – it is that genuine — religious spirit — which makes us turn to the Father — as His children —- and to — grow – in our love for others, —- seeing them – as our brothers and sisters.”

(end quote.)

+++++

 This “UNION with God” — is the ‘FRUIT’ — or – Benefit – of

The ‘Isaiah Spiritual Gift of ‘Piety.’

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There was another – Great Commission given to mankind –

Before – ‘The New Pentecost’ . . .

God showed us the Importance of ‘Personal Prayer’ with this Scripture

Documented from the G-H-E Bible  (Psalm 46: 10 (11)) – it says

‘Be still and know that I am God.”

+++++

God — Himself —- is asking each one of us –

 to desire Him . . .

And to come to Him in Prayer . . .

And –

Because it is in Scripture –

it is a ‘Directive’ —– not a suggestion.

+++++

Jesus  — teaches us – HOW–

to come to this ‘Place of Intimacy with God’ —

in: (Matthew 6:6) — He says:

“Go — to the room – of you,’    —-    shutting – the door –

 of you,  —-  pray — to the Father – of you – in secret,   —    and — the Father – of you   —–   will repay – you — in the open.” (These are the original words written in the Greek, English Bible).

+++++

There is ‘Personal – Passion’ —-    in these words from Jesus  –  to our hearts.

+++++

      If we think about the culture of that day – When a man was ‘BETROTHED’ to a woman – he built a  ROOM — ‘connected to’ –  his father’s house – and -that would show that he was able to provide for his wife. This tells me that there was little space – for someone to be able to —-    

‘go into your room – and close the door.”

As many – Bible translations say.

+++

So, that HAD to mean — an —- ‘Inner place’ —

A place — deep — inside of “YOU.”

A place —  

that was CREATED by GOD —

that — ‘YOU’ —– ALONE ——

ARE IN CONTROL OF. . .

God Created this place—–

but He —

does NOT – ‘Control’ this space . . .

++

we must ‘invite Him in’ – through our Prayer.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

      When I FIRST – – read those words of Jesus – in the Greek Bible – (Matthew 6:6) — it made my heart – SWELL — up to my throat . . .

“But when you pray — go – to – the – room — of you’ —- (that’s a very special place . . . a personal place — that belongs only — to you – and God!)

 “Shutting – the – door — of you” — (that — makes — it a private enclosure  —  that no one – but you controls . . .)

“pray to the Father — of you – in secret” — (Our CREATER-Father – is perfect – in Loving us — sometimes — unlike our earthly fathers) –

“and — your Father — will reward you – in the open.”

+++

(What is this ‘OPEN’ place — that Jesus is referring to?

 After much Prayer and meditation about this meaning; —

I am led to believe — that —

it is – what flows out of us as our — ‘PERSONALITY!’

++++

When the ‘Fruits of the Holy Spirit’ form in us –

and flow out of us’ –

we become a NEW PERSON —- IN Christ!

+++++

When we let Jesus —- ‘ooze’ — out of us . . .

‘what He is telling us in the DARK’ — (our prayer time) . . .

Will – become a part of us –

and then ‘radiate – out’ — of us.

+++++

This – ‘place’ – is a ‘space’ of receiving God’s

‘Spiritual Gifts — Messages — and — Divine Grace.’

+++++

This is where the Holy Spirit –

“Infuses” – what God wants us to know.

+++++

As we study and – ‘develop’ — in Christ’s ‘Word’ — (Scripture) — 

we become ‘Other Christ’s.’

At least – that is the Goal.

+++++

When we discover Christ – within us –

then — we will be able to

‘go out into the world …

 and do what Jesus did.’

Using our charisms — is a process – of growth.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++

In (Matthew 10: 28), Jesus says to the Apostles,

“What you hear in the Dark you should speak from the rooftops.”

Which means – ‘to Proclaim publicly.’

      In that culture – the Roofs were Flat – from which announcements could be made and certain actions could become widely known.

+++++

 (Ephesians 11: 17-18) – tells us – the Apostles were once in darkness.

Jesus shed His light on them –

and now –

they should go out and spread the message.

+++++

We – are called to do the same.

++++++++++

     As a General Rule – We —-

the ‘Laity’ —-

are not taught about this ‘precious Gift from God’ —

of Personal –- ‘Interior Prayer.’ 

It is not easy to attain —

 but with God as our — focus — and Guide —

it is — possible! 

+++++

As you can see – Scripture —

Teaches us how to come to this Place of Union with God.

But we — are responsible to

“Seek – Ask – and Find.”  (Matthew 7:7)

+++++

     My hope is – to share with each of you – what I have discovered through – being Faithful

— to my Pledge to God —-

to ‘Show up’ – and ‘Be’ — with Him —

 In that – ‘Quiet Place’

++

This is the PLACE – He created for each of us — to be

‘Joined together’ —- in ‘Holy Union with Him . . .’

+++

(‘Faithfulness’ – is a ‘Fruit of the Holy Spirit’)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I had ‘Mystical’ events, before

I was ‘Baptized in the Holy Spirit’ —

but —- that —

was truly a Powerful —-

‘Mystical Experience,’

And it changed my entire life!

++++

The Greatest ones – happened after –

my ‘Infilling’ of the Holy Spirit.” – On Pentecost 2012

+++++

I began writing these ‘Experiences’ down — so that I would remember them – and ‘Study them’ – to see ‘WHY’ God gave them to me – and Discern ‘WHAT’ — He was trying to ‘Teach’ me.

++++++++

• Interior Prayer — is God’s Goal — for all mankind

and — it is a ‘Mystical Experience’ –

     because — it is — ‘Union with God.’ —-

• How we reach the place – of ‘Union with God’ –

is up to ‘you — and God.’

• Interior Prayer – is the Place of Contemplation.

• Contemplation is the ‘Work- of God’- only —-

 ‘We humans – will need to do the ‘Work’ –

of ‘preparing ourselves’ –

to reach this place of ‘Union  with God’ –

We need to find a way — that – we can  –  accompolish this.

• It Is – ‘Our choice.’ –

     There is no correct way to come to this place with God.

+++

The Holy Spirit will help us to reach this place if we ‘ASK.’

+++

We can use:

 Oral Prayer – 

Meditation (that focuses on God) –

 Recollection –

Mental prayer –

Quiet prayer –

or whatever works for you —

to be able to leave the  —   ‘world behind’ –

 and ‘come to this special place — inside — ‘of you’ —

that God created — just – for — ‘you — and Him’—-

+++

Jesus Himself – refers to this place – as –

“The room – of you.”

+++++

There is a short phrase that we need to learn to practice

to be able to reach this place of prayer . . .

+++

‘Be S-I-L-E-N-T —So that you can — L-I-S-T-E-N.’ 

Each of those two words – contain the same letters –

just rearranged –

The teaching here — is – that

‘to be able to LISTEN’ —

We need to learn how to become ‘SILENT.’

+++++

Silence is – the complete absence of sound (even our thoughts.)

+++++

When we are Baptized in Christ – we become

‘Temples of the Holy Spirit.’ That means –

God — the Holy Spirit — Dwells – within us.

+++

Therefore — we are not — an empty Vessel.

++++++++++

Empty suggest – ‘a complete absence of Contents.’

+++

Or – to remove everything – or create a void.

Emptiness is a negative feeling —

 it is the opposite

of  – “Being filled with God.”

And with ‘Our Baptism in Christ – we are

Temples of the Holy Spirit!’ Therefore — NOT EMPTY!

+++

Creating an ‘EMPTY’ space — can be detrimental in our prayer.

+++++

God’s – design — for ‘Interior Prayer’ –

 is BASED on learning to – ‘Be Silent . . . ’

Silence – can slow the mind down,

and sometimes it can remove all the frustration of our mind.

+++

Silence helps us to listen carefully.

So – we should do what Scripture says, and learn to —

“Be still – and know that I am God.”

+++

Silence, releases stress in the brain and body, – therefore it is beneficial —- in the process of ‘Interior Prayer.’

+++++

‘Interior Prayer’ is ‘tuning in to God’s voice.’

Jesus says fifteen times in the New Testament,

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I read an article by Kenneth Copeland, that said

“The Holy Spirit – speaks to our spirit.

Then our spirit – speaks to our mind.”

++++

So, – most people do not hear an audible voice like Moses did.

+++

Usually it is a ‘Thought’- not a voice- that takes place within our own mind.’

++++++++

It is important that you accept the prayer that God gives you because — God —-

Designed Your prayer – just for you — and Him.

+++++

It is a GIFT . . . and needs to be received 

As a – ‘Gracious Gift’ from Our God . . .

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Another Gracious Gift from God is — Holy Communion.

The Holy Eucharist –

Received – in Prayerful Reverence –

With FULL Knowledge of ‘WHO’ — it is that we are receiving –

Is the most important ‘Union with God’

 that we can experience!

+++++

Each time that our own – St. John Paul II —- received Holy Communion —- He rested in the arms of Jesus — and could not be ‘Roused’ out of it – until – ‘God was finished’ –

+++++

This is the ultimate place of prayer.

+++++

     From Word Among us, “St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta is concerned for her sisters, and said in a letter to them;

     “I worry some of you still have not met Jesus – one to one – you and Jesus alone. —-

 We may spend time in the chapel – but – have you seen Him – with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love.

 Do you really know – the living Jesus –

not from books –

 but from being with Him in your heart? . . .

Have you heard – the loving words – He speaks to you? . . .

never give up this daily – intimate contact with Jesus — as the real – living person –- not just the idea.”

     ‘Jesus was not an abstraction for Mother Teresa, a set of doctrines – and dogmas – or the remembrance of a person who lived in another time. — He was the real – living Jesus, — someone to gaze at – in our hearts, –

 and — whom — we allow — to gaze at us.”

St. Teresa goes on to say:      (S-l-o-w-l-y)

     “I have said — that the Mystics — are not in a category apart from other Christians, —

 they do not exist —- to astound us, —

but —– to point us to, — what the full –

 development – of the life of grace – looks like –

in the magnified form. —-

+++

And the ‘Mystics’ — have taught us – by grace, —

that we have been inserted –

into the vortex — of Trinitarian life.” (pause)

“Jesus Himself assures us of this when He prays to His Father, — “That the love with which you have loved me —

may be in them.” (John 17: 26)

     “What a Discovery! –

What Horizons’ for our prayer and contemplation!   —

Through grace —

the same love – with which the Father loves the Son —

is in us, —–

Christianity – ‘IS’ – Grace, —–

and  grace —- is, —-

a participation in divine nature, —

and that —— is Divine Love.”

This is from (The Word among us, Feb. 2020 issue)

+++++++

  Remember . . . it does not come easily . . .

St. Teresa taught her sisters that it was not easy –

 but —- important.

What happened to the ‘Mystics’ – is meant by God

– to happen to all Humanity.

++++

If our goal is to meet God – ‘Face to Face’ –

we need to understand –

That – Contemplation is NOT about – US –

It is about what God does within us –

when –

we learn to give ourselves completely to Him –

through SACRIFICING –a few minutes (20- 30) —

– of the 1-4-4-0 minutes

that we are given each day.

We can come to this place in our hearts – through Prayer —

 But to do this — you —- must —- be Faithful — to your Prayer.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For me — this ability – come alive in me –

 when I discover ALL of the – ‘Spiritual Gifts’  

that God has ‘Graciously Given to me –

++

It has taken me years to understand this.

+++

We receive God’s love – through — the Spiritual Gifts

when we are ‘Baptized into the Trinity’ –

‘In the Name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit!’

++++++

    My hope for all of you – is that this little talk – will open the doors of your Mind and Heart – to seek more of God!

++++

 God – has taught me — that —

‘It is God’s Grace — that takes us –

 to the place of Contemplation’ .

++++

. . Our Responsibility — is to –

‘prepare — this place —- for Contemplative Prayer —

     We come to ‘This Space’ — when we ‘turn away from our thoughts that keep us connected to the world —

Laundry          

groceries        

chores for the day        

work      

church (even GOOD things can distract us)        

Our ‘to do list’         

Our anxieties        

fears and worries  —-

 all need to be given to Jesus at the foot of the Cross.

+++++

This IS – why He became ‘Incarnate’ in The Virgin Mary’ Womb

—- to – give us a ‘Choice’ —- to come to Him in Prayer —

just – like — He – went – to His Father – in Prayer.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is possible for each one of us – to reach the

 ‘Mystical Heights of Union with God’ —-

if we learn how to

‘Surrender Ourselves to God during our Prayer.’

+++

         This ‘Prayer Space’ —- was created by God — for ‘Union.’

++

Unless you were VERY Lucky to have someone teach you this in your life –

you probably do not know about it.

It simply is not taught to the general public.

My hope is to rectify this problem.

++++++++++++

I ‘Floundered around’ in my Christianity – – until I understood that there was something – missing in my life. . .

++

I had my Catholic Religion — which formed a basic ‘Root’ – for my Spiritual Growth toward God. But –– deep – Spirituality — was missing —- and I didn’t even understand that there was supposed to be more!

++++++++

First —– you must Choose – for this relationship to bloom.

 It doesn’t hurt!     

 It is Beautiful!              

 It’s Enlightening!

It’s Fulfilling!

It has Changed My life – from a sinner who didn’t see my sins – because I thought that being a ‘Good Person’ – was enough —

It changed me to someone who is on the ‘path to becoming one of Jesus’ own!

Yes, —- I am on the Path with Jesus —- the Holy Spirit –– Our Blessed Mother – and all – of the saints.    

It will take – all of them –    to help me to stay on the ‘Narrow Path’ that Jesus ‘asks’ us to choose.

+++++

This is not beyond any of our capabilities . . . God has given us everything that we need to spend Eternity with Him –

but we need to SEEK it.

+++

We will find the Path — when we live within the Beatitudes.

And then Discover how to use ‘Our Spiritual Gifts’ to the fullest!

++++++++

The GREAT Saints – are not GREAT — because –

 God made them SPECIAL ! —-

They became Great —

because — they followed Jesus — to the Cross —

++

And THEN — God helped them —- through GRACE —

 to become GREAT SAINTS !

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God has given me a “Boldness” that I did not have the first   70 years of my life!

It has become my belief — that – God —-

Gives you ‘GRACES’ —

in like measure –

to what sins you have given to Jesus –

and – have successfully remained away from.

The more sins, burdens, and weaknesses – that you can Surrender to Jesus –

the more the Holy Spirit will fill you with God’s Divine Love.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Fr. Terry told me once – “When you allow the Holy Spirit to ‘Fill you’ – the GUNK of your life spills out! And as you keep asking for this ‘infilling’ – more and more – GUNK spills out of your life.’

++++

I think this is what   ‘repeated – Reconciliation’ – is all about.

+++++

In the Name of ‘Divine LOVE’ – God —

will –

“Repay you in the light.”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is also my belief that – God . . . ‘repays’ – me – in the ‘LIGHT’ . . . with ‘Mystical’ Pictures . . .

because of my – ‘Fruit of Faithfulness’ –

so,  I can help other people — with their unbelief!

Almost ALL – of the ‘Mystical’ Images – that I have received from God . .  are given to me . . .

DURING . . . AFTER . . . or – in Relationship — to Prayer.

+++

Some . . . God has allowed me to capture in a Picture!

+++

These images and Pictures do not mean that I am a saint in any way …

+++

These ‘Graces’ – have been given to me —

to – AWAKEN – me — to God!

+++++++

I began asking deeper questions – –

and God gave me –

Deeper Answers —- through –

‘Mystical Images and Words’ –– during – my Prayer.

+++

My ‘SACRIFICE’ – (if you could call it that)  – – –

Was to ‘SEEK – a Closer Relationship with God’ –

by giving Him ‘SOME’ – – of my time . . .

In the beginning — ALL I did –

  was – To –‘SHOW UP’ —

+++

God does ALL the work!

+++

Yes – – I am responsible — to ‘Quiet Myself’ –

But once I can do that –– God does the rest.

++++++

Remember . . . This — IS ‘Mystical’ –– and —-

 out of our Control!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Place of Deeper ‘Union’ with God – for me —- is found —-

When I close my eyes — and wait — for the –

 S-i-l-e-n-c-e — to come.

In that silence —- it seems —-

 like a Curtain drops over my mind’s eye.

God is leading me to the ‘First’ level of ‘Interior Prayer’ through my desire to know Him better.

+++

And — this ‘space’ — Is where Peace comes.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sometimes — God wants to give me more —- and He leads me to a deeper level of this ‘Spiritual Realm’.

This is when I notice that a second – curtain drops over my mind’s eye–

+++

I believe that this is where the “Mystical – Images and Words” happen.

+++

A ‘FEW’ times – God – has taken – me to a D-e-e-p-e-r- Level 

of Spiritual awareness . . . a place where

‘TIME- STANDS -STILL.’

+++

It is a place – of ‘Physical Suspension.’

with – no – earthly Boundaries . . . or earthly – Manifestations . . .

+++

 He – communicates – to my Soul . . .

Knowledge and Understanding of the Spiritual Realm . . .

+++

 Messages – He desires me to understand . . .

That Eternity — is REAL !

+++

These ‘Workings’ of God –

are the ‘Graces’ — He will shower upon everyone who chooses – to – TRUSTFULLY-SURRENDER – themselves – to Jesus . . .

+++

IT IS NOT JUST FOR THE GREAT SAINTS!”

+++

Remember .  . . We are all given this ability with

our Baptism into Jesus Christ.

++++++

THIS — IS – God’s WORK  —

Even those who come to this Place Spiritually –

Do NOT Reach these ‘Heights’ — each time of Prayer.

Just —- when God Decides —-

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There was ‘Dryness’ — in every ‘GREAT Saints’ life —

we should expect some in ours.

At times — I have them for months.

+++++++++

Sometimes —– it is just – the ‘Quiet’ – that we experience.

THAT ‘Quiet — is a –‘Special Grace!’

Be Thankful – and Praise God for it!

+++

But – not – ‘Feeling’ anything — does not mean

that – ‘NOTHING’ happened.

+++

In the beginning of these attempts – we may feel that we have failed – and quit —

Don’t quit!

God wants so badly — to ‘Be’ with you!

We must remember that no one – becomes GREAT at what they do — without – MUCH practice – like Baseball players etc.

+++

 If we feel PEACE — or JOY – – – God has worked inside of us –

+++

Because — Peace –– is what Jesus came to give us —

Jesus said, “Peace be with you.”

to His Apostles – Each time He came to them after His Resurrection.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

In the Beginning of this Spiritual Journey – I was drawn more closely to God – through the “Mystical’ picture

Of ‘Our Blessed Mother Mary holding

Baby Jesus’ in Medjugorie -when I first saw it in 1999.

+++++

     The most recent “Mystical Picture’ was given to me and a couple, — Linda and Brett – we were praying over him – ‘in proxy (in place of)’ — for his mother.

     When we were finished – He put the chair away -and turned the lights out – and came back through the church – in front of the altar.

     Linda and I were already at the side door – but he called to us, and said, “The Holy Spirit is here!”

    We hurried back to the Altar area and saw the ‘Image’ also.

It was the ‘Holy Spirit” – in the form of a Dove —-

Hovering over the Sanctuary Candle.

     Linda and I got our Camera’s – and God allowed both of us to capture this ‘Image’ — in print . . .to help other people’s unbelief!     

Praise God!

+++++

In the book ‘Private Revelation’ — that explains Pope Benedict’s writing on this subject — Poulan explains;

“A material being – is formed, – or seems to be formed outside of the individual,  —  and is perceived – like everything else in our external reality —- through our —- external senses.”

That’s deep –

It simply means — we ‘SEE an Image’ that is not —

Physically present.

Garrogon-LaGrange adds — that — “if the apparition — is visible to several people, —

 it can be an indication that it is — external.”

Brett – Linda and I – all    saw this image …. And were able to capture it in a camera — and I thank God for that.

We each need to look through

The eyes of Faith . . .

++++

Are you Ready?

Here is the picture we saw. . .

Here is another slide

I took five pictures…

 If you look closely – – – you can see His beard —

Look above that – and you can see the shadowy image of the Crown of Thorns —

— then the face of Jesus will form in the center

of the ‘Wings of the Holy Spirit.’  

The Wings of the Spirit — become the Arms of Jesus

hanging on the Cross!

The Wooden beam of the Cross – is at the top of the picture.

Remember . . . This is a “Mystical” Picture . . . and needs to be seen with the eyes of your Soul.

Praise God for their Sacrifice!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(wait)

+++++

We each need to ask ourselves –

‘What am I willing to – give up — to Receive – the Promised – Everlasting life – that Jesus died to give us?’

+++++++

Picture of ‘Shroud’ copy – taken at Blessed Sacrament 2019

 Jesus left His ‘Life imprint’ on a cloth —

So that we would Believe!

+++++

These pictures are the ‘Scientific’ x-ray – process from the original Shroud –

and the photographic —  ‘re-construction of Jesus’ face.’

++++

This is what I look at every day to enter prayer . . .

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As we TRUSTFULLY – SURRENDER’ ourselves to God —

in Prayer —

in the Privacy of our own SOUL —

God -comes -to us . . .

 in ways that we cannot begin to imagine!

 This whole process —

will bring us to —

SPIRITUAL – HUMILITY.

+++++

One morning while in Prayer — I understood – that –

‘the goal – of ‘Interior Prayer’ –

is for us to try –

to ‘Open’ —

 this space — inside of us –

– that God created for this purpose — 

so that God —

can pour Himself —

 into — our souls . . .’

+++++

The graces that we will receive in this –

‘Prayer of Union with God’ –—

will change our lives in ways –

that will FORM us into other Christs!

+++++

‘Building a Eucharistic Culture’ — is more —

than receiving Jesus in Holy Communion —

or taking Him ‘Out into the World’

for those who cannot come to Him to Receive Him . . .

+++

Or – using our ‘Spiritual Gifts’ to share

‘God’s Divine Word – and Love’ with another . . .

+++

It’s about – living every day of your life –- with Jesus –

‘OOZING’ out of every — fiber of your being . . .

Like the Apostles did – After Pentecost!

+++++

For us – to be able to understand —– and do any of this –—

Jesus gives us His own Spirit –—

who is the Greatest Gift that we will ever receive.

+++

Through the Virtue of our Baptism, —

The Holy Spirit , —

is

 — “The Gift of Gifts.”–-

A book written by our own (Bishop Edward O’Rourke of Peoria)

++++

And — all we need to do is to receive them —

and open the Gifts —

and use them — to the best — of our ability.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

40 min

10 min for QUESTIONS?

Talk 3

Shepherding by the Laity

Priest speaker

Break

+++++

Talk 4

The Fruits -Gifts & Charisms

I feel that we are confused about the Spiritual Gifts.

because there are a couple schools of thought on this subject.

Some believe that we only receive ‘one or two’ gifts,

 and that they ceased long ago.

We know our Catechism of the Church states in Paragraph 2003;

“Charisms are from the Greek term used by St. Paul meaning “favor, gratuitous gift, benefit,”  . . .  they are at the service of ‘charity’ which builds up the church.”

‘Charisms are an extraordinary power given by the Holy Spirit.  They are Graces that Christians need to fulfill the mission of the Church for the ‘good of others.’

     “These  ‘Extraordinary Spiritual Gifts,’ often termed ‘Charismatic gifts, are:

the word of wisdom,

the word of Knowledge,

increased faith,

the  gifts of healing,

the gift of miracles,

 prophecy,

the discernment of spirits,

diverse kinds of tongues,

interpretation of tongues.

To these are added the gifts of the

apostles,

prophets,

teachers,

 helps, (connected to service of the poor and sick),

and governments (or leadership ability), which are connected with certain offices in the church.

These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to individuals, —

 but their purpose is to build up the Church.

They are described in the New Testament primarily in

1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4 also touches on the Spiritual gifts.”

So, it’s not just the Charismatic Movement. –

 it is Our Roman Catholic Church that teaches these things.

We must remember the ‘Simplicity’ – that our God works within.  

 (41)

• ALL Gifts, from God, are Spiritual Gifts,

 . . . because they are given through the Holy Spirit.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++

These are the first – documented words by

St. Paul the Apostle/ Evangelist;  from (the Greek, Hebrew, English bible)

Scripture tells us in (1 Corinthians 12: 4-7)

 “There are differences of gifts– but the same Spirit —

There are differences of ministries – but the same Lord —

There are differences of workings – but the same God – is working all things – in all.

But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit –               to our profit.”

+++++

     We each are given Spiritual gifts – that will help us ‘grow towards God’ – and — in accepting these ‘Gifts’ — and sharing them with another – we will be doing what Jesus is asking us to do

To ‘Build up the Kingdom of God!’

“Gifts . . . Spirit . . .

Ministries . . . Lord . . .

Workings . . .  God . . .

. . . but the same God is working all things – in all.”

These are the words found in the original Greek New Testament

+++++

     This simply means that all people — have been given – ‘all – of the Spiritual Gifts’ from God – to lay dormant — or to be

drawn out of the depths of us –

when – we invite — the Holy Spirit to use us to

‘Build up the Kingdom of God ‘ –  through — our ‘Spiritual Gifts,”

— in a specific way.

+++++

• That’s – the Simplicity of our God!
• It is Humanity — that Complicates things.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     I am going to try to explain the Mysteries of the ‘Mystical Gifts of God,’ that are distributed by the Holy Spirit, as best as I can.

+++++

The ‘Fruits – Gifts – Charisms –all are Graces’ –

Or – ‘Spiritual Gifts from God’ . . .

given to help us with our Journey to Jesus.

(42)

The ‘FRUIT’S of the Holy Spirit;’ are the

‘Perfections – that Jesus lived’

when He was here on earth 2000 years ago.

+++++

We are given the ‘Fruits’ — of the Holy Spirit to Help us to be –

‘Formed in Jesus Christ.’

Our Blessed Mother ‘Formed Jesus as a child’ – and into His Manhood,  

and we should ‘Ask’ her to shape our lives the way she shaped Jesus.

That will Help us to be ‘Formed in Christ.

+++++

 I want to first talk about the ‘Fruits’ and their ‘Role in our Ministry.’

The Fruits of the Holy Spirits are listed in our Catechism as:

• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Charity
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Generosity
• Gentleness
• Faithfulness
• Self-control
• Modesty,
• Chastity

These Attributes of Jesus — are

The ‘Fruits of the Holy Spirit!’

• Scripture list nine of them (Galatians 5:22-23).
• The Tradition of the Catholic Church lists twelve of them (CCC 1832).’

Adam and Eve received them when they were Created – and made in God’s “Image and likeness” They had them before the ‘Fall . . . ’ (Genesis 1 26-27).

+++++

We receive them – when we are

 “Baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28: 16-20).

+++++

Adam and Eve – had them given to them when they were Created —

We need to  CHOOSE  – TO BUILD OUR Relationship with God —

to receive them!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

• If we look at each Fruit –
• we can understand that these are Positive actions –
• from within us –
• that we share with another person.

+++++

• A Fruit of the Holy Spirit – is the way — that we

share the Love of God.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

• I have touched a little bit on the ‘Fruits of the Holy Spirit’ –

and where they came from

they are NOT a NEW thing!

They DWELL — in the ‘Family of the Trinity since the beginning of time!’

And they WILL Dwell in us – when we ‘Turn away’ from sin in our lives –

and enter into — the ‘The Circle of Divine Love.’

It won’t be easy – but that is why we are given

the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The ‘ISAIAH‘ Spiritual Gifts – found in (Isaiah 11: 2-3) are:

• Wisdom
• Understanding
• Knowledge
• Fortitude
• Counsel
• Piety
• Fear of the Lord

                                                                 (43)

These ‘Isaiah Spiritual Gifts’ – are the ones that are “Infused“ –

into us when the Holy Spirit is “Reminding us” –

of what Jesus has taught us through Scripture.

Even if you have not studied the Bible – you have heard that – “the Holy Spirit, – will ‘remind you of what Jesus taught the Disciples.”

+++

      God’s Teachings from Scripture – are showered upon us, – when someone needs what we alone – are able to give them —

+++

We — will REMEMBER   . . .

what they — need to hear.

Jesus – Promised!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The CHARISM’S are ‘the Actions’- that ‘form’ us  —

into ‘Disciples – for Christ,’ –

through the ‘Power of the Holy Spirit.’

+++++

• Disciple means – ‘We Choose to Follow Jesus and learn from Him.’
• We — are the students.
• Apostle means – ‘We go out into the world to share Christ.’

+++

The Charisms – are HOW we do that.

+++++

• The Charism’s are not Natural Talents;
• They are ‘Special Graces from God,’ that give us the ability
• to help – ‘Build up the Kingdom of God’ here on earth!

+++

• Charisms FLOW through us — to — the other.

+++++        (44)

• God did not say it would be easy . . .

• Jesus said He would be with us . . .

• From the Cross . . .Jesus and the Father –

sends

• ‘Their Spirit of Divine Love’ – to be our Guide, our Helper, our Advocate, The Paraclete . . . The LOVER – of all things!

And that means US!

+++++

It is my intent – to ‘Help make the Complicated Simple!’

+++++

     How many of you feel that you understand how the ‘Fruits, Gifts and the Charisms’ work together?    (45)

We must try to Remember that Our God is a God of Simplicity!

+++++

     Whether we understand it or not –

we know that we are given –

At our ‘Baptism in the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.’

all the Attributes of God Himself – as a GRACE  — from God.

+++++

(46)

God TUGS – and TOUCHES our hearts until we recognize the CALL.

+++++

The ‘Fruits — and the Isaiah Spiritual Gifts — are ‘Present’ within us  –

 from God —- at the moment of our Baptism.

We must give the Holy Spirit OUR Permission – to Activate them.

+++++        

(47)

     As an added Blessing –

When we, ‘Turn our lives over to Jesus –

at our Conversion’ –  EVERYTHING Changes!     

(48)

+++++

We become – Alive in Jesus!

Jesus becomes – Alive in us!

We become – the ‘Witness’ of His Death and Resurrection!

We – become – His Disciples!

+++++                            (49)

This is when the CHARISMS — come Alive!

+++++

This is How – we build a ‘Eucharistic Culture!’

Through the Active — use of our God given Charisms

+++++++++

(50)

A Eucharist Culture.’  – is a way of LIFE

that — shares God’s Love.

It is what the Apostles Did.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++      

(51)

When we share – ‘Jesus’ – with our neighbor —

And are reaching out – beyond ourselves –

to another with Christ in our heart –

we are using our Charisms.

+++++

     The “TROUBLE’ with trying to discover our Vocation or Ministry on our own – is that most of us — do not achieve it.

We don’t know where to start, or how to discern.

     I don’t know about you – but I do not remember being taught any of this – in a way that was effective.

No matter what — we should always begin with Prayer!

Some people – are blessed with discovering their Work for God – through Great Desire – and Prayer.

₊₊₊₊₊

The ‘LITMUS TEST’ is —‘DOES IT BRING YOU GREAT JOY!’

+++++

For most people – it will take a more deliberate path.

+++

A Spiritual Gift test or Inventory – is a good way to Begin this

‘PROCESS OF Discovery.’

There are many Spiritual ‘Gift tests’ or Inventory’s

Each author – tries to think up a NEW way of presenting the same material – which tends to confuse the readers.

Some of the ‘Tests’ will list 7 Charisms.

Some 20

Some 24

Some 30

There are no Limits to how many Charisms there are!

So, don’t limit God!

+++++

After my Conversion Experience in the Confessional —

 Father, gave me several different ‘gift tests’ to see which one I liked best.

Some questions are hard to discern. Most of the time – it really doesn’t matter whether the answer comes out a ‘2 or a 3.’

It will balance out in the end.          (52)

What matters – is; ‘Discovering your Gift Mix!’

+++++

So, what is a ‘GIFT MIX?

Your ‘Gift Mix’ – is the combination of your top scoring ‘gifts’ – that create your work for God. It makes what you – ‘DO – for God’ —

Uniquely yours to do.

In the book ‘Three Colors of Ministry’ – The author called the ‘top scoring Spiritual gifts’ –

your ‘Gift- Mix!’

I agree whole heartedly! Only – I believe it goes deeper than just those few ‘Gifts.’

 The more that we do for God –

the more that He gives us to do.

+++

Therefore – the ‘Spiritual Gifts may ‘Shift around.’

Some may recede for a while – and others – will move into leading positions.

Only YOU — can do what God has created you

to do for Him.

+++

God —- ‘Equips’ US —- with everything that we will ever need – to be Jesus’ Disciples.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

One of the most important things that I can share with you – is:   

 (53)

There are no Gifts – that are more important that any of the others!

Jesus came to SERVE!

‘His Service’ – came through many of the other Spiritual Charisms. The FIRST one was Exorcism! That is a Charism that we don’t hear much about and the ‘First’ one that Jesus did when He started His Ministry. Others are; Healing, intercessory prayer, teaching, leadership, evangelism, and so much more!

Jesus INSTITUTED the Charisms with His very life — as He walked about on this earth.

He was showing the Disciples the Path that they would be following to ‘Build up the Kingdom of God!’

+++++

This is one of the reasons that I believe we receive –

all of them –

to be used as the Holy Spirit desires.

 count yourself BLESSED if you have the ‘Gift of Service!’

+++++

 Jesus came to ‘serve’ us – which really means —

 to do whatever – each one of us needs –

to be able to come to

 ’Repentance – and Reconciliation’

with God – Our Father.

+++

But it is our ‘Personal Pentecost’ — that awakens us –

to use them – for the Good of our Church!

Praise God always!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

  (54)

If we try to remember the Day of Pentecost – when the Disciples were gathered in the Upper Room –

waiting    for ‘the POWER’ from the ‘Advocate’ to come upon them . . .

we will understand that –

It was then –

 that – the ‘Gifts of the CHARISMS’ –

were given to all gathered in that room.

Here is a picture that tries to share that moment . . .

Look at their Faces . . .

The Holy Spirit is – “The GIFT of GIFTS”    (55)

WAIT

++++++       (56)

There are many phrases that this moment is called:

• “Baptism in the Holy Spirit”
• “Infilling of the Holy Spirit”
• “Pentecost”
• “Power of the Holy Spirit”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++++++            (57)

“Conversion”

IS — ‘the moment God overshadows you with His LOVE . .   

And you choose to –

‘turn your life around – to follow Him!’

It all stems from this sentence,

“Wait in the city to be clothed from on high.”

The account in Acts 2 reports that,       (58)

 after Jesus ascended into heaven, – Jesus’ followers were still gathered together for the Feast of the ‘Harvest’ (aka ‘Pentecost’),

 and the Holy Spirit

“filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2).

• “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other Languages as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4).

(Acts 2:2 from Greek – Hebrew – English Bible)

+++++

• We have created a culture that is – ‘Afraid of the Charisms’ –

      which is simply a misunderstanding of what they really are.

The Charisms are given to us – as a ‘Gift from God – Our Father.’

They are Bestowed upon us to help us to ‘Build up the Kingdom of God.’ This is the Reason that Jesus left Heaven – to become

‘Incarnate in Mary’s Womb.’

To Show us —– How  —-  To Come —  

With Him’ – to the Father’ —-  through our own Salvation.  

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++     

(59)

• The ‘CHARISMS’ — are the way that we come to terms with our own humanity –

if —

what you are doing – is for God.

+++++

      What I mean by that is: that When – we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily lives –- The ‘Spiritual Gifts’ of God – become – alive in us.

+++++

The Charisms all are centered around Jesus

and His life of ‘Service’ here on earth.

+++++

In the ‘Uniquely His gift test’   – in 2019
 My lowest scoring ‘Gift’ was – ‘Giving.’

• But, when God – presents someone to me – that ‘Needs’ what I have to give –
• My time – prayer – money – clothes – food – etc.

I can be – and am – Generous . . .

with what I have – that they need.

(60)

• ‘Time, Talent and Treasure’

This is what the Charisms are all about.

Sharing what we have been given from God- with another!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We’ve all heard ‘Time, Talent and Treasure

in our churches.  

So . . .

Even our lowest scoring ‘Gifts’– that are Not our ‘normal’- everyday gifts –

are used – when God needs us to help

 ‘Build up the Kingdom!”

+++++

This simply means that WE have been given

‘ALL’ — the Charisms . . . Like the Greek Scripture says in

 (1 Corinthians 12: 4-7)

              “…differences of workings – but the same God –

is working all things – in all.”

+++

To be shared when the Holy Spirit desires!

+++++

the Charisms. . . are meant to

Help another person through a life situation… that will bring them closer to God…

+++++               

(61)

The receiving of the Charisms-  is ‘Mystical.’

+++

The ‘Giving’ of the Charisms becomes – “Mystical”

as it flows – through us…     

(62)

(1 Corinthians 2:12-13),

• “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, —
• so that we may understand the things – freely – given us – by God . . .”
• “And we speak about them – not with words taught with human wisdom . . .
• but with words taught by the Spirit,
• describing spiritual realities . . .

in spiritual terms.”

 (63)

 God – will teach us –

 what He wants us to know –

‘when’ – we surrender –

 and give ourselves completely to Him.

++

At least – that is how it worked for me.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(64)

I would like you to look at this triangle about Divine Love.

(67)

Jesus has LEFT US WITH THE Sacraments of the Catholic Church – to draw us to Him . . . and as a result . . . He is drawing us into the Realm of the Trinity, which is –

‘The Circle of Divine Love.’

+++++

Trust Him to give us what we need – when we need it!

(68)

+++++

This is what the ‘Gifts’ – are all about!

God ‘Infusing’ us –– with –

” Wisdom – Knowledge – Understanding – Council – Fortitude – Piety – and Fear of the Lord.”

These are the ‘Isaiah Gifts’ found in (Isaiah 11:2-3)

++++

I call them the – ‘Isaiah Gifts’ — to distinguish them from the other Spiritual Gifts.

+++++

When someone needs what we alone are able to give them —

God the Father –

pours His Graces forth through — ‘HIS’– Holy Spirit.

+++++

(69)

A Charism —- is — an ACTION

God draws forward the Spiritual Gifts called – Charisms – from within us – when He – decides.

+++++

These are the Siritual Gifts in the ‘Uniquely His test’

(70)

+++++

The Fruits and Isaiah Gifts are given to us to

Form us – into other Christs –

 The Charisms are given to us – to give away . . .

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

      Once, Fr. Steve told me; “His ‘Charism’ of Celibacy comes ‘Alive’ – when someone comes to him – that needs one of the ‘Isaiah’ Gifts: – knowledge, wisdom, understanding, council, fortitude, piety or fear of the Lord. — and it is ‘DELIVERED’ to them – through one of the ‘Fruits’ of the Holy Spirit.”

That was the best explanation that I have ever heard.

+++++      

(71)

Please pull out this chart  now—

This graph depicts the way that all the Spiritual Gifts work together for the Glory of God!

If we believe that God gives us all of the Fruits – and the Isaiah Gifts – in our Baptism — why would we believe that He will LIMIT, the Charisms that He gives us?

+++++

Our World” seems so vast . . .but it is really — just the people that we touch personally – friends and family and co-inhabitants of life!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++

(72)

The Charisms – are a ‘Spiritual Grace’ – given to us by God the Father – through the Power of the Holy Spirit – They – are ‘Mystical’.

+++++

With them – God Blesses us with an ability to do something that we normally could not do.

The Holy Spirit does the work – THROUGH US – to    

 (73)

‘Build up the Kingdom of God – here on earth!’

+++++

God’s PLAN from the beginning of time is . . .
that we reach out – to each other – as a family should . . .

to help each other – to come to Jesus for our Salvation!

+++++

Jesus promised an ‘Advocate’ to help us on our Journey!

+++++

• The Advocate– is – ‘HIS OWN SPIRIT.’

+++++

Given to us from the Cross . . .

with His Dying breath . . .

+++++

When I surrender my whole-self to Jesus – He sends

 ‘His Spirit’ – to Guide my every step.

+++++

When – we invite Jesus into our lives –

• God the Father – sends ‘His Spirit of Love’ – to us – to Transform our lives – from –
• the ‘Ways of the World’ (filled with Concupiscence – which means -tendency to sin)
• to the ‘Ways of God’ (filled with Divine Love)!

+++++

We do not know where the newfound change in our life comes from … but we know that a change has taken place.

• It happens – through – ‘Grace’

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++     

(74)

Charisms are ‘Supernaturally’ Empowered

• They grow – as our relationship with God grows.
• Charisms can only be used for God’s Purposes –
• not for our own – or evil purposes.
• Natural talents are retained regardless of our relationship with God.

+++++

Charisms come alive when God chooses

• So, we are not in control of them.
• We are in control of whether we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us.

It truly is our choice.

 ‘God doesn’t make ‘Cookie – Cutter -Christians!’

That is why He gives us the ability — Through our Charisms —

 To become who He created us to be!

His ‘Adopted Son’s and Daughters.

+++++

If we understand — that ‘God’s Plan’ for us –

is not of this world –

and that — it is in the ‘Spiritual Realm’ —-

 we will start ‘Seeking’ the things that are more of God.

+++++   

        (75)

     St. Faustina’s Diary in paragraph 695, she states, “During Holy Mass, offered by Fr. Andrasz, I saw the little infant Jesus, who told me that, “No action – undertaken on your own, – even though you put much effort into it, pleases me.”

     Jesus is telling Faustina- that her efforts – and ultimately ‘OUR OWN’ efforts – do not please Him when we try to do something without the help of the Holy Spirit— and His Spiritual Gifts. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     It was somewhere in 2000 that the ‘Journey’ that I am on now began for me with a ‘TUG’ at my heart from our Blessed Mother.’ Someone showed me a Picture of ‘Mary in Medjugore.’ She was holding Baby Jesus. It is what we call a ‘Mystical Picture,’ because it was not seen with the human eye. It appears in the camera. This picture was captured – and printed in 1990. After I received it, I became a ‘Witness’ for it-  in word and deed. I passed them out wherever I found believers.              (76)

Mary and baby picture

+++++

     That was a ‘New Awakening’ for me. I had many Experiences with God before this — but this ‘Knowledge’ about ‘Mystical Pictures’ – enhanced my Journey into the Spiritual World – which deepened at the end of 2009, when I was ‘touched by the ‘Peace Prayer Chaplet.’ Some of you knew me back then. I had been a VERY SHY person all my life until I began my journey with Our Blessed Mother Mary. She drew me to the ‘Peace Prayer Chaplet in December of 2009 . .  and touched my heart to make ‘Peace Prayer Chaplets’ — to give away . . . I was driven by an ‘Inner leading’ to make one of these small bead chaplets for myself and a few friends and my sisters. I learned how to make a Rosary – and adapted that process to make this Chaplet.

     While I was making the 10^th one, and praying the Rosary to myself, I very clearly HEARD in my mind, “You have to work a little faster – you have to make them for the masses!” I never doubted what I heard, – and I answered in my mind, “Ok, but it will have to be a different way than this!’

      These took me two and a half hours to make and cost $2.50 dollars each to create. I could not afford to ‘Make them for the masses!” So-o-o- I let my ‘Charism of Artistic Creativity’ take over! I came up with ‘Elastic Bracelets,’ with the prayer sequence for this ‘Peace Prayer Chaplet,’ and passed them out wherever anyone would accept them, with an instruction sheet. In the first two and a half years – I gave away over 12,000 Bracelets by Inviting people to Pray this Chaplet – simply – by sharing the devotion with them,

(perfect strangers) and giving them the directions.  The Holy Spirit said to me, “it is your Job to Invite people to pray, it is MY Job – to Touch their hearts.”

     These Prayer Chaplets touched lives in many places around the world, and this Ministry has crossed Religious Boundaries. The Prayers of this Chaplet are seven each; of Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.  I stopped counting at 12,000 . . .  I continued making them and still do at times, I also make other Prayer Chaplets to give away.

      It had been the most financially troubling time – for my husband and me. My hours at work were reduced drastically due to a knee injury. I ‘TRUSTED Our Blessed Mother and the Holy Spirit to help me with the money for the supplies. I took $20.00 out of my very limited grocery money and ‘obeyed’.       Every time that I need more supplies . . . someone would give me a few dollars to buy more beads or whatever I needed to help with the Ministry. God always provided.

I was so deeply touched by the Peace Prayer Chaplet, that I was driven to Pray it myself and to- ‘Invite’ others to pray it also.

These ‘TOUCHINGS’ by Our Blessed Mother, began to ‘open my heart up’ – and I was able to hear more (this is the charism of prophecy).

And gave myself – more deeply to Our Blessed Mother,

and She – led me to Jesus.

+++++

This is what I call ‘the beginning of my ‘Prayer Ministry.’

+++++

The Holy Spirit – has been ‘molding and shaping’ me into –

a ‘Prayer Warrior’ for Jesus and Our Blessed Mother ever since. . .

+++++

Thus a Prayer Ministry began for me.

Reflecting back – this all came forward,

so that I could do what Mother Mary and her Spouse – the Holy Spirit – asked of me.

+++++

I have touched upon several different Charisms in this story. Intercessory Prayer,        Personal ‘Interior’ Prayer,        Artistic Creativity,        Giving, Evangelization,         Helps,         Service,         Teaching,          Leadership,      Prophecy,        and      Writing, etc.

     It was through the ‘Fruit of Charity.’ that all of this was accomplished through my willingness to ‘be silent . . . and listen.’

+++++

Our Charisms come alive in this — simple way –

when God desires them too.

+++++

Through my intense STUDY of the Fruits, Gifts and Charisms –

I Believed with my whole heart -that . . .

God gives us all of the Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit —

to be drawn out of us  – when —

 The Holy Spirit desires.

Some will become primary Charisms.

Most of the others will come forward when the Holy Spirit desires.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++

 We need only to learn to – ‘L I S T E N’ – to the inner stirrings of our hearts — to hear what God wants of us.

+++++

My Primary charisms today – 10 years later, – with the ‘Uniquely His’ Spiritual Gift Test – are:             (77)

Faith,        Healing,         Knowledge,        Intercession   

Evangelization        Teaching.

Three of the same ones that came out of me,

BEFORE — I knew anything about the Charisms of the Holy Spirit!

+++++

So —- we don’t NEED TO TAKE A TEST -to discover what they are.

But I will say that – taking the ‘test’ – has validated — for me –

what I am doing for God.   

 (78)

+++

My Secondary gifts are: Encouragement   Wisdom   Discernment    Mercy    Pastoring    Prophecy    and   Leadership

+++

I Believe –

that when we Surrender to the Power of the Holy Spirit –

God the Father ––

Gives us more ‘Graces’ —

and different Charisms come forward —

which means –

that ‘others’ will automatically need to recede for a while.

+++

That doesn’t mean that they are no longer in my life …

+++

it simply means that –

God has something else

that He wants me to do for Him at this time.

+++++

• Our Blessed Mother, Mary, began working on me – and opening my heart – with the “Mystical’ picture in 1999,

and again with the chaplets in 2009,

and in 2019 – she has  led me to Teaching.

• The Holy Spirit began ‘Stirring up my heart – to desire ‘More of Jesus!”
• Jesus – filled my whole ‘Being’ with His Divine Love for me . . .
• for that  – – – I thank You God!      
• And – Praise God — I have never been the same since!

+++++

Please look at this picture closely —- It is the cover from the original ‘Uniquely His’ gift book.

See all the Faces … that make up the ‘Body of Christ!’

(79)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

35 min?               Break                   (80)

Questions?

Pg 115

+++++

– pass out cards  on the tables

Isaiah – yellow

Fruits – blue

Charisms – pink

Vocation – or — Ministry – White

Talk 5

+++++     (81)

The Charisms do not stand alone!

Just like we need each other – we need our ‘other’ ‘spiritual gifts’ to make us stronger for God’s work! God gives us many Spiritual Gifts that can be used by us. The secondary ones – The ‘waiting’ Gifts – are waiting to be brought forward by the Holy Spirit to enable us -to do something that no-one else can do for God!

The charisms come alive in us – when God chooses.

     But first, I must – believe – that God CAN – and Will work through my Charisms.

I believe this –

because of my ‘Strong Faith’ in God’s Promises!

+++

     We should not feel ‘PRIDE’ in our ‘Gifts!’

Jesus created these Gifts- for us to use

to build up the Kingdom of God.

Using them is what God desires.

None of these Charisms – or us – stand alone!     (82)

+++++

I will use my Spiritual Gifts as a demonstration – because I am most familiar with them.

+++++

           In the ‘Uniquely His’ Spiritual gift test:

The ‘WORKING GIFTS’ – are the 5 top scores (+ ties) –

I use these daily.

₊₊₊₊₊

The ‘WAITING GIFTS’ – are – The next (5) five highest scores. (+ Ties), — that are not in the list of working gifts.

They are what the Holy Spirit pulls forward in me –

to Complete and Compliment –

my Working gifts – to better help my ‘brother or sister.’

If we really look at the results we will see our

‘GIFT-MIX come alive!

+++++            (83)

    Now- I need you to use your ‘Special Gift of Helps.’

I would like you pick up a one of the word cards on your table –  and when I say that ‘WORD’ – please lift up that card — I hope it will give a demonstration as to how the Gift Mix works.

+++++

According to the ‘Uniquely His’ test –     (84)

My WORKING GIFTS are:

Faith   Healing   Knowledge   Intercession    and Evangelization     Teaching

These are my Strongest Charisms

And – I use at least one of these daily – in one way or another.

+++++

In all the tests I have taken – FAITH is always my strongest gift.

(85)

My WAITING GIFTS are:

Encouragement   Wisdom   Discernment    Mercy    Pastoring    Prophecy     and   Leadership

++++++

You can put them down now.

God gives us the Charisms — to minister to someone.

As we use each Charism – we will find that ‘each one’ – DRAWS – another Charism forward.        (86)

The charisms –

• WORKING TOGETHER – BECOME Our ‘GIFT MIX.’

When we allow the Charisms to work together like this – we will find our true Vocation or Ministry. Praise God!

+++++

Prayer is one of my Vocations

+++++

If someone needs my Charism of Healing Prayer…

I will need other Spiritual Gifts also…

Not just my Charism of Healing.

First –

My WORKING Gifts – that are related to

Prayer – come out

They are:   Faith   Intercession and Healing.

+++++

I can do NOTHING for God without my strong Faith!

+++++

My Waiting gifts that come forward for Prayer – are:   Discernment   Mercy   Pastoring   Wisdom   and Prophecy.

+++++

Please put them down

One or more of these ‘Gifts’ will move up with my Working Gifts to help me to pray with someone.

+++++

For my Healing  Prayer WORK —

I will need all these Spiritual Charisms of:

Intercession   Faith    Healing   Mercy   Wisdom Discernment   Pastoring   Prophecy

Which are both

‘Working and Waiting’ Gifts,

Please keep them up. . .

I will also need these

Spiritual Fruits to deliver them:

Charity    Patience    Peace     Kindness    Goodness     Gentleness      and maybe more.

Then – the Isaiah gifts of:

Understanding   Piety   Counsel   and   Fear of the Lord   will come forward in me.

+++++

All of this is for my “Prayer Ministry!”

I don’t just have a charism of ‘Healing’.

I have many Charisms that AIDE in

Jesus’ work of Healing ₊₊₊₊₊₊ 

they flow through me —- because I am the conduit.

+++++

Do you see how they Intertwine?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Go ahead and put them down – and we will start over now

+++++

This is about my ‘Writing’ Charism – which is another one of my Vocations or Ministries

When I am Writing for God, (White card)
I use my Working Gifts of:

Faith    Knowledge   Evangelization   Teaching

And my Waiting Gifts of:

Wisdom   Discernment   Leadership   Prophecy and maybe more — will come forward to

COMPLETE and COMPLIMENT

my Working Gifts

But — only when I am ‘writing for God.’

+++++

Remember — our Talent is not a Charism if we are using it for ourselves or for evil purposes.

++++++

My Fruits of:  Patience   Faithfulness    Charity maybe more . . . come forward in me.

+++++

My Isaiah Gifts of:

 Wisdom   Knowledge   Understanding   Council   and   Fortitude

will come forward when I need them in my writing – or – when I am teaching.

We will need the ‘Fruits of the Holy Spirit’ to be able to deliver them to someone.

Remember – these are the – attributes of Jesus – that are

infused into us with our Graces of Baptism.

Take time to look at all of the ‘Spiritual Gifts’ that I use – to do the work that God has designed me to do

— for Him!

Can you understand that each charism

does NOT work alone?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Go ahead and put them down now.

++++++++++++

I think that this is where I need to talk about the Charisms that this author left out of her Spiritual gift test

++++

There are more listed in Scripture that are listed in Most Gift Tests.

The first thing that Jesus did when He came out of the desert was –

Exorcism (    ),

then there is Tongues –

Interpretation of Tongues –

Miracles (Mighty Deeds) – 

Exhortation –  

Celibacy –  

Love – 

Voluntary poverty.

All listed in (1 Corinthians chapters 12-14)

And there are many more

+++++

         I understand that Sheila, the author — left out ‘tongues’ because, ‘you will know if you have the gift of tongues!’ I’m not sure why she left the others out, except that they are not as necessary for the ‘Laity’ – as the ones in her list —       to run a church. That was her focus – the necessary gifts to run a parish she was a parish Director of Religeous Education and in charge of the Ministries of her church.    But — that does not mean that they are not Charisms.

       I was given the gift of ‘Tongues – to ‘build up own my ‘Faith!’ and – I also believe that I was given ‘Tongues,’ to open my mind and heart to receive all that God desired for me to receive —– and to go forth into the world to “Do what I do.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     I remember being at a Charismatic Renewal in Peoria, and being encouraged to ‘Just open your mouth and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.’ The word did not come out then – but later in the privacy of my Church. Only ONE word flowed out of my mouth — It was ‘SHANAYA.’ That became my ‘PRAYER LANGUAGE FOR THE LORD’ . . . and it was my only ‘Word’ for over two years. One evening after a Healing Mass, I was Praying over My Husband Nick, with another person – More words began flowing out of my mouth. My ‘spirit’ was ‘in another place’ . . . it seemed as though the Roof of St. Ann’s was not there . . . and a ‘Bright White Light’ . . . was coming down from Heaven and its ‘Rays’ were shinning on my hands — and — Nick’s back. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I can remember in Healing prayer. It WAS A ‘MYSTICAL” moment of prayer – I found out October of2019 that -‘Shayana’ is a Hebrew word that means, “Bright Ray of light.”    

Almost everything that I do for God – results in Evangelization – which is ‘To spread or preach the Gospel.’

Evangelization has the Greek root meaning

‘To bring the good News.’

It’s about sharing religious Beliefs.

++++++++++

Please get ready with the cards again —

+++++

The Spiritual Gifts that come forward to help me with

Evangelizing — are  

 FAITH     KNOWLEDGE     INTERCESSION    ENCOURAGEMENT

TEACHING    LEADERSHIP    MERCY     DISCERNMENT   

 PASTORING   and   ARTISTIC CREATIVITY maybe more.

+++++

Some ‘Fruits’ – will come forward – to help me deliver the Message that Jesus wants me to share.

Lift your card if you think that it will be needed for the

delivery of the charism of Evangelization.

WAIT

+++++

I think the first gift that God gives us – is – the Holy Spirit –

which – is Love.

It is that same Divine Love that the Trinity shares with each other – and gives to us in our Baptism.

Think of the fruits –  they are:  lift

JOY    PEACE    PATIENCE    CHARITY    KINDNESS   GOODNESS GENEROSITY    GENTLENESS    FAITHFULNESS     SELF-CONTROL    MODESTY    CHASTITY.

Put down

+++++

What we GIVE to others – is – what the Holy Spirit Infuses into us —

They are: the Isaiah Gifts of   :lift

WISDOM     KNOWLEDGE     UNDERSTANDING    FORTITUDE

COUNSEL     PIETY     FEAR of the LORD

+++++

One of my Working GIFTS

has become one of my Main/ Ministries for God.

TEACHING.

I Teach every time that I open my mouth to share something about God.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After a Homily at Mass –  I have learned to ask  –

after receiving Jesus in Holy Communion,

 “Jesus, what do you want me to do for you today?”

Many times Jesus answered;

“Teach with the simplicity that I have taught you.”  

“Teach them of my great Love for them.”

“Teach them of My Mercy.”

Most often I heard, “Be My Witness!”

+++++

None of this is impossible for any – Baptized Christian!

Our own Bishop O’Rourke said,

“Every Christian is meant to be Charismatic.”

+++++

The Fruits – Gifts – and Charisms – do not come alive in us by Osmosis!

We must give our consent!

This Consent —– is not just a Surface yes –

• It comes from DEEP within our being.
• This action is NOT of ‘The World!’
• It is a DEEPLY – Spiritual Matter.
• — Between – You – and God!

Are you willing to open the door for Jesus to come in?

• It will take Faith on your part . . . just about the size of a Mustard Seed!

(Matthew 13:31-32)

(Mark 4:30-32)

(Luke 13:18-19)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     Surrounded by His Disciples, Jesus wandered around the Towns and Villages; seeing the wounds that needed healed, –and then –

He healed them —- when asked too.

This was when Jesus – ‘Gave Example’ to the Disciples about the Charisms’

Scriptures say They are:

‘Exorcism, Service, Healing, Helps, Intercessory Prayer, Discernment of Spirits, Leadership, Miracles, Mercy Teaching, Giving, Encouragement   and so much more!

All of this was created – while He was on earth with the Apostles – just read the Gospel and you will find them written there.

+++++

Jesus used the ‘Fruits’ — to deliver the Charisms, —

the same as we do.

+++++

That’s – the Simplicity of our God!

He gives His Creation — What we ASK for.

++++++++++++

      God Created the Charisms to make this simple, — and possible – for us frail humans to do.

 He created us to ‘Surrender our whole selves to Jesus on the Cross of our Redemption.

When we do that – the Holy Spirit will take over – and use our ‘God given abilities to change our world, — ‘One person at a time’ through ‘our hands, feet and lips’.

Embed in your mind and heart the words that Jesus taught St. Faustina,

“Jesus, I trust in you.”

+++++

Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us at all times.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++

 “But there are differences of gifts– but the same Spirit.

And  there  are differences of ministries– yet the same Lord.

And there are differences of workings– but the same God is working all things – in all, .

But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit. For through the Spirit is given to one a word of Knowledge  — ect.”

(the Greek, Hebrew, English bible – which is the original written text)

This Scripture goes on to list some of the Charisms

+++++

“Gifts . . . Spirit . . .

Ministries . . . Lord . . .

Workings . . .  God . . .

. . . but the same God is working all things – in all.”

+++++

     This simply means that people have been given – ‘all – of the Spiritual Gifts’ from God – to be drawn out of the depths of us – when – the Holy Spirit desires that we help another person – in a specific way.

Don’t Limit God!

+++++

      Our Charisms come alive in a simple way — when God designs them too. We need only to learn to – ‘L I S T E N’ – to the inner stirrings of our hearts to hear what God wants of us.

When you are given the Charism of Knowledge’ . . . you are COMPELLED . . . by the Grace of God to share it with others. A Priest named – Fr. Terry used His Charism of ‘Encouragement’ — to help me open this door into the

 ‘Realm of the Trinity’. 

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     What makes – What I do for God a CHARISM – is the fact that I could not do anything like this before. I am Dyslexic!  I read and wrote only what I had too, with difficulty in comprehension. Through my ‘FIAT’ — my “YES’ — to God — He began HEALING’ me from the inside – so that I could do the work that He Created me to do for Him!

     The Trinity has made me a ‘Christian Writer!’

     God the Father – chose the Work He wanted me to do for Him. Only – He kept it a ‘secret’ from me — until I was 63 years old! —- So, – it’s never too late to discover – and begin your ‘Ministry.’ I needed my ‘life experiences’ – before I could truly understand God’s Mercy – and then — be able to write about how the Trinity works in our lives.

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Try to remember this phrase by Pope St. John Paul II that he wrote in his book, ‘Love and Responsibility,’

“… that the human person

must reconcile – with his own greatness.”

The more that I pray about this phrase – the more that I understand that – we cannot come to this ‘reconciliation’- until – we learn how to discern between

‘OUR OWN SPIRIT’ – the – SPIRIT OF GOD –

and the evil spirit.

It is not easy . . .

But it IS IMPORTANT that we learn –

which spirit – is working in us.

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When we can push the evil spirit aside (leave the world behind) –

And then – be able to discern when it is

our spirit coming forth —- or the Spirit of GOD . . .

and choose God’s will . . .

we will be doing what God Created us to do, and in that process . . . we will be . . .

keeping our ‘ego’ out of it – and help us

 ‘discover OUR OWN GREATNESS IN GOD!

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This is an important factor that when we use our

Spiritual Charism of Healing. We need to SURRENDER OUR spirit . . . to the Power of the Holy Spirit.

We can distinguish our spirit by the ‘sin of Pride.’

And the ‘Holy Spirit’ by the feeling of the ‘FRUIT of JOY’ . . .

Remember . . .

God did not say that it would be easy . . .

But – Jesus DID say He would be with us  – and that He would send His Spirit to help us on this Journey.

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It is a small thing . . . but I would like you to recognize that when I write about spirits – I use a capital ‘S’ – for the Holy Spirit – and a small ‘s’ for the other spirits.

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This ‘understanding’ of the Charisms, is the only reason that I will call myself,  –  A Christian Writer!

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My ‘greatness’ — is found in My Spiritual Gifts –

when I use them —- as God intended.

Not — as ‘I’ — want to.

“I” is in the very center of the word S-I-N.

God intended from the beginning of time That we are ALL –

a part of the Body of Christ.

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_{Where do we go from here?}

_{You might ask –}

‘How Do I discern what my gifts are?’

     The easiest way is to ‘Take a Spiritual Gift test,’ and Study it. The directions are with each particular test. Know that the Charisms lists will be different from each other and understand that — this is just a starting point. NONE of the ‘lists’ are complete! The ‘Gift of TEARS and Hugs and Laughter’ are not in any list that I have found . . . but they are powerful Charisms of Love from God just the same.

They probably filter down from the charism of Encouragement, 

‘God doesn’t make ‘Cookie – Cutter -Christians!’

That is why He gives us the ability — Through our Charisms — To become who He created us to be!

His ‘Son’s and Daughters’ through our Baptism in Jesus.

We will know if we are using our Charisms if we feel JOY in our hearts.

‘JOY’ is an acronym for

Jesus – Others – You!

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  This is Jesus – teaching us how to

Build a Eucharistic Culture

Picture compliments of Dave and Sharon Joseph

Through His Chosen shepherds –

We carry on this Task.

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Fr Terry told us back when I first began taking these Spiritual Gift tests – that we “should Re-take the test – at least every year.”

The reason is – that as we become one of Jesus’ Disciples —

(which means – ‘His Apprentice’ –according to Bishop Barron) –

The ‘Fruits’ of the Holy Spirit – pour out of us more and more –

And we are being ‘Re-Created –

into the “…image and likeness of God.”

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This is a POWERFUL Movement of the Holy Spirit within us —

And is – only done with ‘Our Permission’ — through our acceptance – of what God the Father wants for us.

There are differences of workings – but the same God is working all things – in all.

But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit.” (the Greek, Hebrew, English bible)

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37 min to read

35? with demo

The Trinity chose – from the Beginning of time –

to LEAD us to our Repentance.

This is what they chose to Do . . .

This is the Reproduced picture created from the above pictures

Jesus did this for each one of us to be able to Believe in His Resurrection!

And then Follow Him to our own Resurrection.

Jesus – Left us the Charisms.

His Spirit – The Holy Spirit of Our Triune God-

Dispenses them to us in our Baptism.

To be enhanced in our Confirmatio