May 30, 2020 | Spiritual Gifts
“Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness, make thy way straight before me.” Ps 5:8.
“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Ps 25:5.
“Lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps 139: 24.
“Thus says Yahweh, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. I ,Yahweh, your God, teach you what is good for you, I lead you in the way that you must go.” Isaiah 48: 17
“And lead us not into temptation.” Lk 11:4.
“Let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.” Lk 22:26.
“The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 3: 2-3
“The Spirit is presented as active and operating in those whose deeds are told, whether they are leaders of the community or just members of the faithful.” Pope John Paul II, Nov, 1980.
“The role of the leader is, in the first place, “to give an example of prayer in his/her own life.”
Pope John Paul II, May, 1981.
The Church’s leadership is “to acknowledge and foster the ministries, the offices, and the roles of the lay faithful that find their foundation in the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, indeed, for a good many of them in the sacrament of matrimony,” Pope John Paul II, Laity Christ’s Faithful, 23.
Priests,” should be careful to discern the charisms and strengths of the faithful who might be leaders in the community, listening to them and through dialogue encouraging their participation and co-responsibility.” Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia in America, 1997.
“America needs lay Christians able to assume roles of leadership in society.” Ibid.
Leaders, “ I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world.” Pope John Paul II, Oct, 1998.
“We are entering a period of new vitality for the Church, a period in which adult Catholic laity will play a pivotal leadership role in fulfilling the Christian mission of evangelizing and transforming society. For adults to fulfill their roles in this new era of the Church, their faith formation must be life long, just as they must continue to learn to keep up in the changing world.” USCCB Our Hearts Were Burning, 29.
“The following objectives highlight four key roles of Parish Leadership: (1) the pastor and other pastoral leaders; (2) the adult faith formation leader who becomes the lead agent in promoting and supporting this ministry in the parish; (3) the adult faith formation team who collaborate with the leader in planning and providing learning opportunities; and (4) catechists of adults. Ibid, 125.
“Through fervent prayer and pastoral work—and relying on the grace of the Holy Spirit—our efforts together will help the whole Catholic people advance in authentic discipleship and fulfill their baptismal call and mission to grow to the full maturity of Christ.” Ibid.
“Leadership and Organizational Development. Lay ecclesial ministers should cultivate leadership qualities modeled on the example of Jesus so that they can inspire and enable others to fulfil their baptismal call.” USCCB Co-Workers of the Vineyard.
Leadership
Those who are called by God to be leaders in the Church are servants of all and least of all. There are leadership positions for clergy and laity at many levels in our Church. Spiritual leaders are always willing to listen and be available to those they lead. Leaders are accountable to those they lead and they are sensitive to the faith and needs of those they serve. Leaders to remain faithful to their role must pursue a rich spiritual life and a strong faith basis. They seek to lead as Jesus did- sensitive to the goals of their ministry and the Jesus way to lead others.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?
May 30, 2020 | Spiritual Gifts
“I will take you as my people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God,” Ex 6:7.
“Teach me your wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I trust.” Ps 119:66.
“For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than sacrifice.” Hos 6:6.
“To you has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God.” Luke 8:10.
“The sheep hear his voice. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” John 10:3-4.
“This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.”
John 17:3.
“They prayed, ‘Lord you know the heart of all.’” Acts 1:24.
“For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has come in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus.” 2 Cor 4:6.
“We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God,” Col 9:10.
“Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:5-7.
God “desires all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth,” 1 Tim 2:4.
“All people of whatever race, condition or age, in virtue of their dignity have an inalienable right to education. This education should be suitable to the particular destiny of the individuals, adapted to their ability, sex and national cultural traditions.” Vatican II, Christian Education.
Vatican II Council affirms its deep gratitude to those priests, religious, and laity “who in a spirituality of evangelical dedication have devoted themselves to the all important work of education and schools of all kinds and grades. It exhorts them to persevere generously in the work they have undertaken, and to strive so to excel in inspiring their pupils with the spirit of Christ.” Ibid.
“Knowing Jesus and the Church is a life long process. We are never too young or too old to come to know our faith. Blessed are those who teach the faith to adults or children. Everyday there are new ways and means to know our faith and to share it with others. Those who know the Lord use every means possible to share their faith with others.” Ibid
“Education is integral to the mission of the Church to proclaim the Good News. First and foremost every Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth.” Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi, 4.
“The Church’s primary mission of evangelization, in which educational institutions play a crucial role, is consonant with a nation’s fundamental aspiration to develop a society truly worthy of the human person’s dignity.” Pope Benedict at Catholic University, April, 2008.
Knowledge
Scripture and our faith tell us that God wants us to know who God is and who we are. God provides the knowledge, the information and the insight into this spiritual gift. Knowledge begins with learning from schools, Scripture and the Church what is the content of our faith. Since Vatican II everyone has been encouraged to study and to pray for direction and wisdom in their faith. Evangelization is the result of knowledge because it leads people to share their faith with others. Learning is a life long process and we are blessed to live in a society where we can study our faith and update our knowledge of it.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?
May 30, 2020 | Spiritual Gifts
“He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Is 53:12.
Jesus said,” Everything you ask and pray for, believe you have it already and it will be yours.”
Mk 11:25.
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Rom 8:26-27.
“I urge you, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in the struggle by your prayers to God on my behalf,” Rom 15:30.
“Brethren pray for us,” 1 Thes 5:25.
“We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith,” 1 Thes 1:11.
“Finally, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed on and triumph, as it did among you, and that we may be delivered from the wicked and evil.” 2 Thes 3:1.
“The Church has seen the fruits of your devotion to prayer in a deepened commitment to holiness of life and love fore the word of God.“ Pope John Paul II, May 7,1981.
“Imitate the example of Jesus himself in ensuring time for prayer alone with God.” Ibid.
“The joy of prayer is reborn: a prayer that is both personal and communal, praise and intercession, and which is drawn to contemplation and is the source of evangelization.” Pope John Paul II, Dec, 1982.
“There is coming a real contribution to the revival of prayer among the faithful, who have been helped to gain a clear idea of the Holy Spirit as he who inspires in hearts a profound yearning for holiness,” Pope John Paul II, Nov 1986.
“The Church has seen the fruits of your devotion to prayer in a deepened commitment to holiness of life and love for the word of God, “ John Paul II, May, 1987.
“Recent years have seen a growth in the number of people who, in even more widespread movements and groups, are giving first place to prayer and seeking in prayer a renewal of their spiritual life.” Pope John Paul II, Dec, 1991.
“Lifting up the mind toward God is an expression of our adoration of God: prayer of intercession consists in asking on behalf of another. It knows no boundaries and extends to one’s enemies.” CCC 2647.
“The Holy Spirit whose anointing permeates our whole being, is the interior Master of Christian prayer. He is the artisan of the living tradition of prayer. To be sure there are many paths of prayer as there are persons who pray, but it is the same Spirit acting in all and with all. It is in the communion of the Holy Spirit that Christian prayer is prayer in the Church. CCC 2672.
“Pray constantly always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This tireless fervor can come only from love.” CCC 2742.
“Transformation of the praying heart is the first response to our petition.” CCC 2739.
Intercessory Prayer
People who have the gift of intercessory prayer know how and what to pray for others. They have a rich spiritual life centered on individual and community prayers, from the Mass to the rosary. They understand the difference between people’s needs and their wants. They are able to put God’s will first and foremost. They are sensitive to what’s asked and they give a feeling of peace and understanding to all they pray with. The Bible is rich with requests and the results of intercessory prayer. Intercessors are in touch with Jesus and His Holy Spirit and are committed to praying daily for others. Sometimes there are intercessory prayer groups which focus on praying for others individually or collectively.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?
May 30, 2020 | Spiritual Gifts
“And they ate and were well filled.” Ps 78:29.
“Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Ps 100:2.
“If they hearken and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness,” Job 36:11.
“He shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord God.” Micah 5:4.
“Do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body.
Is not life more that food?” Matt 6:25.
“Jesus told them to give her something to eat.” Mk 5:43.
“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him, but if not, it shall return to you.” Lk 10:5-6.
“In the course of their journey he came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.” Lk 10:38.
“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them,” Lk 12:37.
“Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” John 21:15-16.
“Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit has made you guardians, to feed the church of the Lord which he obtained with his own blood.” Acts 20:28.
“He who eats, eats in honor of the Lord since he gives thanks to the Lord.” Rom 14:6.
“Be servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord.” Eph 6:6.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.” Rom 12:13.
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb 13:3.
“Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Pt 4:9-10.
“Through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Gal 5:13- 14.
“Continue to love each other like brothers, and remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Heb. 13: 1-2.
“The time has come for me to bid farewell to your country. These days that I have spent in the United States have been blessed with many memorable experiences of American hospitality, and I wish to express my deep appreciation to all of you for your kind welcome. It has been a joy for me to witness the faith and devotion of the Catholic community here. It was heart-warming to spend time with leaders and representatives of other Christian communities and other religions, and I renew my assurances of respect and esteem to all of you.” Pope Benedict XVI on leaving the United States, 2008.
Hospitality
Hospitality as a spiritual gift exudes graciousness and service. There are a multitude of ways to share hospitality and many ministries that foster this wonderful spiritual gift. People with this gift welcome others as they would welcome Jesus. They serve with food, a kind word and a welcoming spirit.
They find it easy to meet new people and to find common areas of interest with those they have known for a while. Their ready smiles are matched by their open arms and kind words.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?
May 30, 2020 | Spiritual Gifts
“To you the helpless can entrust their cause; you are the helper of orphans.” Ps 10:4.
“May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support,” Ps 20:2.
“Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!” Ps 30:10.
“The Lord is on my side to help me,” Ps 118: 7.
“Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you,” 1 Chron 12:18.
“They helped David and his band, since they were all men of standing.” 1 Chron 12:22.
“What help you give to the powerless, what strength to the feeble arm!” Job 26:2.
The twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty,” Acts 6:1-6.
“When he arrived there he was able by God’s grace to help the believers considerably demonstrating from the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.” Acts 18:27-28.
“I was blessed with God’s help, and so I have stood firm to this day,” Acts 26:22.
“Our helper in the Lord,” Rom 16:9.
“God has appointed in the Church, helpers,” 1 Cor 12:28.
“Well, I want you in your turn to put yourselves at the service of people like this, and anyone who helps and works with them,” 1 Cor. 16: 16.
Yes, and I ask you also, my true yokemate, “to help them, for they have struggled at my side in promoting the gospel,” Phil 4:3.
Let us, then, have no fear in approaching the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace “when we are in need of help.” Heb 4:16.
“The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear,” Heb 13: 6.
“The desire to devote oneself completely to Christ, an openness to the Holy Spirit, more assiduous reading of the Scriptures, generous brotherly devotion, a willingness to serve the Church. Therefore, we must serve God first,” CCC 223.
“I would like to address a word of gratitude to those of you who devote yourselves to helping others. The Feast of Christ the King which we are celebrating today is a feast of service, for it is the feast of the one who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. In his earthly life, Jesus taught us the meaning of service, the kind of love in action that brings closer the Kingdom of God.” Pope John Paul II, Address to Sick and Elderly, 1986.
“The biblical account of creation speaks of the solitude of Adam, the first man, and God’s decision to give him a helper. Of all other creatures, not one is capable of being the helper that man needs, even though he had assigned a name to all the wild beasts and birds and thus made them fully a part of his life. So God forms woman from the rib of man. Now Adam finds the helper that he needed: “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gen 2:23).” Pope Benedict XVI, God is Love.
“The rich man begs from his place of torment that his brothers be informed about what happens to those who simply ignore the poor man in need. Jesus takes up this cry for help as a warning to help us return to the right path.” Ibid 15.
“Anyone who needs me, and whom I can help, is my neighbor.” Ibid.
Helps
Those who have the spiritual gift of helping others have a generous and sensitive heart to help others either physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way- to be a listening ear or to offer a helping hand. Just as God helps us, helping people serve Jesus with a light heart and recognize that their service gives them energy and life. Helping people have been helped in their own lives so they realize the gift of doing the same for others.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?
