September 7, 2023 Reflection – “I call you to spiritual renewal!”
“I call you to spiritual renewal!” September 7, 2023 Dear Family of Mary! St. Paul wrote to the Colossians to encourage them. He knew that living the life of a Christian in a world not yet converted was difficult. But he also knew that God would give them all the gifts they needed to not only persist, but to grow in holiness! I love to hear the way St. Paul described these gifts and graces. Here is the first reading for today’s Mass. Think about our present world as you read it. We need these same gifts today: Colossians 1:9-14: Brothers and sisters: From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The word of the Lord. There is so much packed into two sentences!! It is hard to receive it all at once!! Here is a list of the gifts that St. Paul prays for: Knowledge of God’s will Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding Ability to please the Lord Good works Fruitfulness Knowledge of God Himself God’s power and might, Endurance Patience Joy Thanksgiving Deliverance from darkness Experience of the Kingdom of Jesus Redemption Forgiveness of sins God wants to give us these very gifts and so many more!! They are the fruit of our union with Jesus. They come through the Holy Spirit. Our Lady has come to us to help us to grow in these very gifts. Her program of holiness is all encompassing and she never stops trying to help us progress. Take this message from 2015: May 25, 2000 “Dear children! I rejoice with you and in this time of grace I call you to spiritual renewal. Pray, little children, that the Holy Spirit may come to dwell in you in fullness, so that you may be able to witness in joy to all those who are far from faith. Especially, little children, pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that in the spirit of love, every day and in each situation, you may be closer to your fellow-man; and that in wisdom and love you may overcome every difficulty. I am with you and I intercede for each of you before Jesus. Thank you for having responded to my call.” Our Lady tells us that the Father wants to fill us with the Holy Spirit, through the grace of His Son! Then we will have all the gifts St. Paul listed, and many more! They will be used for the sake of all our brothers and sisters who do not yet know Jesus! Praise God! Come Holy Spirit!!! In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan Mary TV