I have a sense we took such a leap forward today, in God’s grace. Praise the Holy Spirit!
I received this quote in a text message from an E & C team member after our Fall Gathering of Religious Ed Directors, Coordinators & Youth Ministers last week. It was a joy-filled morning beginning with a blessing led by Bishop Muench, then followed by Catholic Life Center 101, serving as a reminder of the reliable resources offered by the various departments and available to all.
The grace-filled moments increased throughout the morning as many shared their stories of struggle, relief and hope for the future. One story was from a woman who experienced Hurricane Katrina, lost her home and eventually relocated to Baton Rouge. She gave a powerful witness filled with empathy, courage and hope. It was truly inspiring for those in attendance who have been directly affected by flood devastation. They needed to hear that one day life will again become stable, consistent and “normal.”
The Miracle of the Holy Spirit
I had a chance last March to visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. I was deeply inspired by the willingness of so many to risk their lives for the advancement of science. I was also reminded of a memorable “leap” while watching old film footage of the lunar module landing on the moon. Neil Armstrong climbed down the ladder from the safety of the Eagle, and with confidence and faith, leaped, planting his feet firmly on moon rock. It was surreal. This small step for one human was a “giant leap for mankind.” A new era in space exploration had begun with a leap forward and a new footprint.
It is by the Holy Spirit we are able to leap forward. Each day can be a little Pentecost for us as we share this journey of faith walking in the footprints of others while leaving new ones for others to follow.
Fortified by the sacraments, the Holy Spirit opens the door to renewal, reform and growth. The challenge is to be open to newness, receptive to change and willingness to follow God’s plan. We can choose to shut the door and say, “No thanks, Lord. This is too much for me to handle.” Or we can allow the Spirit to carry us in all moments: great and not-so-great. Yes, even in the darkest hour, the brilliance of the Holy Spirit illuminates our path. We must trust.
The miracle of the Holy Spirit is our receptivity. How can I grow in receptivity? The early disciples were on fire after the descent of the Holy Spirit. This divine inoculation was the perfect antidote to diffuse doubt, increase hope and set a new course for God’s plan of salvation. We are called to simply live the sacramental life given to us by the One who sent the Paraclete. It is Jesus Christ incarnate who draws us ever nearer to the Father through the graces of the Sacraments while at the same time empowers us to become confident “leap-takers.” Taking a leap forward means having the confidence to believe in God’s will for us, planning the leap through the eyes of Jesus, and knowing the Holy Spirit will be the one to make the landing fruitful and life-giving.
Let us turn to St. Paul, one who took a great leap forward by the graces of God, who writes, “May the God of hope will you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. “
Until next time…Peace