- We often focus on the gifts that God gives, but how often do we focus on our need to learn to receive those gifts? Why is this essential to the devout life?
- Why do we need grace from God in order to long and yearn for him? What does this say about the reality of free will? Are we really free if this is the case?
- Let’s discuss the idea of “glorying in our weakness.” Saint Francis makes a profound yet simple point: “to whom should strength be given if not to the weak?” Reflect on this, even without regard to any of the gifts the Spirit gives.
- Some might lament that if they had the privilege of being alive when Jesus was, or if Jesus was still walking on earth today, that it’d be easier to have faith. However, we live in age of the Holy Spirit. How can we take more seriously the person and the presence of the Holy Spirit in this age of salvation history?
- Why is it so important to focus on the Holy Spirit’s role in creating unity, and not just our personal sanctification? And what exactly is unity?
- 7:34 PM
- Simone (Guest): Not sure.. what is going on..But I just write here the first question. OK?
- May 23, 7:34 PM
- Simone (Guest): 1. We often focus on the gifts that God gives, but how often do we focus on our need to learn to receive those gifts? Why is this essential to the devout life?
- May 23, 7:35 PM
- Elena (Guest): Hi, everyone! I was called away for a moment… I think it’s that old saying about not being able to receive when your hands are full of other “stuff.”
- May 23, 7:35 PM
Dawn (Guest): thank you Simone
Elena (Guest): Stop trying to make it work on our own, looking at human problems/solutions. Stay still and receive whatever the Holy Spirit is giving, even if it doesn’t make “sense” to our human ways.
May 23, 7:36 PM
Dawn (Guest): I actually have not thought of “learning to receive” until I read this letter..
May 23, 7:36 PM
Simone (Guest): I think this is the core of the answer here Elena – that somehow a gift “needs” room. If we are all internally cluttered than it might be hard to let a Spiritual Gift unfold to its fullest
- Elena (Guest): I like your phrase, “internally cluttered,” Simone!
- May 23, 7:37 PM
- Simone (Guest): I must say, I am a little confused – I am not sure in what way St. Francis uses the word Spiritual Gifts
- May 23, 7:37 PM
- Elena (Guest): and also the idea that a spiritual gift needs to unfold. And that that takes time, too.
- May 23, 7:37 PM
- Bettychao (Guest): Sr Jennifer today we go to the church and we join 10:45am to 12pm the worship our church pastor say and teaching a topic and say what the Bible say about the true prophet and false prophet and the church pastor tell us read more bible they will tell you what is the truth about God. I think the true prophet teach us the truth about Jesus and they will guide us how to live and enjoy the greatful life for Jesus and get closed to Jesus and I think our church priest and nuns will guide us how to live in truth
- May 23, 7:37 PM
Simone (Guest): Are we talking Charisms?
Bettychao (Guest): We need the Holy Spirit and bible to lead us the way to jesus 9 PM
Elena (Guest): That’s so true, Betty!
May 23, 7:39 PM
Simone (Guest): Does anyone here think they have received a Gift of the Holy Spirit? a Charism? Want to let us know?
- 39 PM
- Simone (Guest): Does anyone here think they have received a Gift of the Holy Spirit? a Charism? Want to let us know?
- May 23, 7:40 PM
- Simone (Guest): or do you know someone else – who has a Spiritual Gift? Maybe that is easier to answer for all of us
- May 23, 7:40 PM
- Dawn (Guest): it would be a gift of the Holy Spirit to experience a conversion, and a second conversion
- Elena (Guest): Dawn — I’m humbled by your answer. My reversion was powerful and instant over nine years ago. How quickly I forget when I’m focused on how messed up everything seems to me now. Thank you, Lord!
- 1 viewer
- Praise the Lord for your reversion Elena. Can you tell us in which context you had this powerful experience? During Mass – driving in the car.. or….?
- May 23, 7:42 PM
- Elena (Guest): It’s rather a long story… I will summarize!
- May 23, 7:42 PM
- Simone (Guest): Yes, Spiritual Gifts are meant to be shared.. Absolutely. They are given for the body. Not for ourselves (
- May 23, 7:43 PM
- Dawn (Guest): Simone you have the gift of drawing people out!
- Simone (Guest): interesting observation Dawn – thank you.
- May 23, 7:44 PM
- Simone (Guest): Where do you get feedback Dawn from people.. that they are thankful for what you are doing?
- (New to teh chat, hellow!)
- May 23, 7:45 PM
- Elena (Guest): I’d been outside the Church for many years, living as a total heathen… but I always watched the movie “Jesus Christ Superstar” during Lent. I’d recently moved to L.A. and was splitting up from a horrible marriage (outside the church). So there I was, watching JCS, and it came to the Crucifixion scene. I’d seen it a hundred times… but suddenly I saw and KNEW that 1) This really happened. and 2) He died for ME. That was it. Game over. Lights on. Everything changed. The Holy Spirit flooded my heart…
- PM
- Simone (Guest): WOW.. Praise the LORD for this
- May 23, 7:45 PM
- MichaelArchangel (Guest): That is a heck of revelation
- May 23, 7:45 PM
- Bettychao (Guest): A false prophet tell you to do something against ten rules of God because false prophet is come from the satan Lucifer is not come from God . Because Lucifer himself reject God so he guide some person to e
- May 23, 7:45 PM
- Elena (Guest): Seriously, it was a miracle.
- Simone (Guest): It sure was. These are the stories we have to remember when we pray for others, and we are getting hopeless -because we don’t see any movement of the
- May 23, 7:46 PM
- MichaelArchangel (Guest): The truth is like a kick to the stomach, it leaves you breathless and thinking.
Simone (Guest): Elena, if God wants you to be a nun.. you WILL be a nun 48 PM
Bettychao (Guest): He guide some one to reject God so we must getting closed to God and Jesus and reject satan and his dirty work. So we studied bible and worship Jesus to praise him and follow him only. Bettychao :48 PM
Simone (Guest): moving to next question.. OK?
May 23, 7:48 PM
Simone (Guest): Why do we need grace from God in order to long and yearn for him? What does this say about the reality of free will? Are we really free if this is the case?
PM
Simone (Guest): Why do we need grace from God in order to long and yearn for him? What does this say about the reality of free will? Are we really free if this is the case?
May 23, 7:48 PM
Elena (Guest): Yep! There is a community that continues to affirm me. I’m working on loan forgiveness program that will take another six years. But I’m also thinking of a go fund me. We’ll see! In God’s timing and according to his will.
May 23, 7:48 PM Simone (Guest): You know the truth so well Betty
Elena (Guest): I think we need grace from God because on our own, we will try to fill the “God-shaped hole” in our hearts and souls with worldly things. Like so many saints did before their conversions and the outpouring of grace — St. Augustine, St. Francis, St. Ignatius, etc.
May 23, 7:49 PM
Simone (Guest): Did you ladies see Question 2? oops I think we also have a gentleman here
May 23, 7:50 PM
Elena (Guest): Hi, MichaelArchangel!
May 23, 7:50 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): Hello
Ruth (Guest): I’ve been reading along, didn’t realize until just now that I had not signed in.
May 23, 7:52 PM
Elena (Guest): Hi, Ruth!
2 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Sr Susan hi I am so miss you how are you? Bettychao
May 23, 7:52 PM
VisitationSiste: OK
53 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): Free will is a gift given to us. I don’t want to sound preachy but we must accept the reality that we are sinners. The traps layed before us are well crafted and miticulous. Yet here we are discussing it. 53 PM
Simone (Guest): Hi Ruth.. was wondering why I did not read from you today
May 23, 7:53 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hello Elena, Dawn, Bettychao, Simonem Sister Susan Marie, and Michael/Archangel. We sure can use an archangel, especially Michael. So many battles!
May 23, 7:54 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): That is free will, the power to think and understand.
7:54 PM
Ruth (Guest): Oh and hello viewers.
May 23, 7:54 PM
Simone (Guest): I think the free will – is – that we are opening ourselves up for the grace- that actually unlocks the the longing – but in all fairness.. we are so not able to
May 23, 7:55 PM
Simone (Guest): do anything really.. if we have not GOD’s help
May 23, 7:55 PM
Simone (Guest): one of my favourite parts of the Divine office prayers.. is simply the beginning
May 23, 7:55 PM
Simone (Guest): Lord come to my assistance – Lord make haste to help me
May 23, 7:55 PM
Elena (Guest): The free will is asking for the grace. “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.” A willingness to participate in grace, not get ahead of it or block it out with our own designs or sinful cravings.
M
Simone (Guest): I am always reminded that I cannot even pray if GOD does not give me the
May 23, 7:55 PM
Simone (Guest): grace to do so
May 23, 7:56 PM
Elena (Guest): Simone– Yes! (I wish there was were emojis on this thing so I could give “thumbs up” or a star or something.)
6 PM Simone (Guest): I just thought so too Elena.. seems we think alike on this oneMichaelArchangel (Guest): Christ is in us, sometimes we forget. We regret and take life for granted. Dig deep in yourself, there is so much in life we do not know.
Dawn (Guest): And, I believe God calls each of us in his own way.
May 23, 7:58 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): So much information that we forget the basics. Look inside yourself and you will find the truth, I know it is not easy to let go of our earthly desires, but sometimes you know that we have our moments. We can stand strong in our belief, or we can talk sh!t about randome things. But there are days where we look into our loved ones and understand the meaning of life.
May 23, 7:59 PM
VisitationSiste: 3. Let’s discuss the idea of “glorying in our weakness.” Saint Francis makes a profound yet simple point: “to whom should strength be given if not to the weak?” Reflect on this, even without regard to any of the gifts the Spirit gives.
se.
May 23, 8:00 PM
Simone (Guest): Yes Ruth!
May 23, 8:00 PM
Elena (Guest): It’s hard to admit being weak (imperfect). Takes a lot of humilty. But I believe it’s the only way we can receive what God is giving us. so it ends up being a boon to us, whereby God’s glory is revealed in our weakness.
May 23, 8:00 PM
Elena (Guest): St. Paul writes about this, of course.
:01 PM
Elena (Guest): “I am content with weakness” 01 PM
Simone (Guest): well… it is kind of humbling to write that, but I think I only fully rely on God’s strength, when I actually do feel weak. I cannot come to the point of tapping into God’s strength when I do feel strong on my own.
May 23, 8:01 PM
Elena (Guest): St. Therese and so many others, too. Argh it’s so hard to just admit to being so weak! Pride, yo.
Bettychao (Guest): I remember when I make my first confession to our church priest msgr charles I tell my priest when I in school my friend make fun of me and been rude to me I am getting hurt by my friends nathen Anderson . And I ask the father how should I treated him the church father say forgive him and pray for him Jesus forgive our sins when we sin against his ten rules so he want us to forgive someone treated us bad just pray and live .
May 23, 8:02 PM
Simone (Guest): It depends on the weakness I find Elena
May 23, 8:02 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): I was content with weakness, then I was filled with the urge to be rightous. There is so much gray areas in life sometimes we do not even know which step to take next. Trust in yourself and be happy in how we can randomly meet in forums like this and speak full heartedly about hte troubles in life, if that is not a miracle in itself.
May 23, 8:03 PM
Simone (Guest): I am talking about -feeling weak when I know I am ministering to someone else – when I think I am clueless and cannot help this person at all . then God’s strength often takes over
3 PM
Elena (Guest): I”m always tempted to self-righteousness, or victimization, etc. When I’m strutting and angry, I’m not acknowledging my need for God’s grace. Definitely not allowing my weakness to be met with God’s Mercy and transformed.
May 23, 8:03 PM
Dawn (Guest): a conversion is never planned or conceived as a personal project. it is not a prepared item on lifes journey. it may have a time of gestation, but that is difficult to measure most souls have no realuzation until they are near the event itself that they are moving in the direction of a conversion. …
, 8:04 PM
Simone (Guest): yes Dawn.. totally agree
May 23, 8:04 PM
Elena (Guest): Simone — that’s so powerful! Sometimes this happens with me when I’m teaching. I’m literally thinking “what on earth do I say now?” and the Holy Spirit gives me words.
May 23, 8:05 PM
Simone (Guest): you were more referring to personal weakness I think in your posts before. Right Elena?
8:05 PM
Dawn (Guest): from book by Fr Donald Haggerty, Conversion. spiritual insights into an essential encounter with God.
May 23, 8:05 PM
Elena (Guest): Dawn – so true! God is the hound of heaven, after all.
06 PM
Elena (Guest): Sort of both — weakness in the work/ministry I’m doing, but also weakness in my personal spiritual battles.
Elena (Guest): Sort of both — weakness in the work/ministry I’m doing, but also weakness in my personal spiritual battles.
May 23, 8:06 PM
Bettychao (Guest): When I call my friends that who live in Hollywood the first time he treated me nice but the last time he change himself and treated me rude and reject me .but I forgive him because Jesus forgive those people who hurt him on the cross.
May 23, 8:06 PM
Simone (Guest): I think.. knowing God’s love – can allow one to be weak more easily – we are never falling deeper than into GOd’s hand.. that is often a comfort for me
M
Simone (Guest): Betty.. you have such a big heart. Forgiving someone who has hurt us, is so so difficult
May 23, 8:07 PM
Elena (Guest): Yes, Simone. That’s a letting go experience. Trusting that God is helping us carry on whatever work He’s given us to do.
7 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): May I ask you all your personal experiences in your faith? Sometimes we forget how powerful we are, the power and free will given to us. The devil wishes to strip us of our thoughts and free will. Yet I say again, look at us and how we share our feelings. Something most people in life never experiences. We have so much more in our plate than we can ever imagine. We are powerful, wether it be through our faith or our own determination to find the truth. We are not alone, never. , 8:07 PM
Dawn (Guest): Im sorry Betty. it is hard when a friend betrays us, as many will! M
Elena (Guest): Betty, I second Dawn and Simone’s comments to you! 8 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Ask divine Jesus by his body blood to guide us become better Christian . 9 PM
Dawn (Guest): profound thoughts Michael. We are powerful not by our own ability but by the Holy Spirit that moves into us.
May 23, 8:09 PMVisitationSiste: cant really contribute tonie
Elena (Guest): True — God empowers us to accomplish his will, and for our own sanctification.
May 23, 8:10 PM
Dawn (Guest): is all ok Sr? perhaps we can all stop and pray for a moment now
May 23, 8:10 PM
Simone (Guest): no problem Sister.. just wanted to make sure you are still here.
May 23, 8:10 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hail Mary..
May 23, 8:10 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): @Dawn will you do the honers?
May 23, 8:10 PM
VisitationSiste: 4. Some might lament that if they had the privilege of being alive when Jesus was, or if Jesus was still walking on earth today, that it’d be easier to have faith. However, we live in age of the Holy Spirit. How can we take more seriously the person and the presence of the Holy Spirit in this age of salvation history?
Bettychao (Guest): Sr Susan when we be a church leader we must be choose by God not we choose by ourself it is depence on Jesus that he choose you or not choose you. Not all the Catholics can be a priest or nuns some time God choose them to be married . My mom tell me when her godmother want to become a nun and she entered the convent but she come out 3 times and she met a nice man and married. Not all the catholic people can be the priest nun is only God call you so you can be
May 23, 8:13 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): (I feel a strong connection here, even though we are separated by continents and vast oceans. Yet our immortal souls are connected)
May 23, 8:13 PM
Dawn (Guest): Amen!
May 23, 8:13 PM
Simone (Guest): that was somewhat powerful..
Simone (Guest): 4. Some might lament that if they had the privilege of being alive when Jesus was, or if Jesus was still walking on earth today, that it’d be easier to have faith. However, we live in age of the Holy Spirit. How can we take more seriously the person and the presence of the Holy Spirit in this age of salvation history?
May 23, 8:15 PM
Ruth (Guest): Fr. Mark called this — the whole time after the Acts of the Apostles — Chapter 29 of the Acts . . . The Holy Spirit is still at work in us and in our world.
, 8:15 PM
Simone (Guest): Yes, and HE still writes HIS story 6 PM
Dawn (Guest): Amen!
May 23, 8:16 PM
Simone (Guest): I think there is not a lot of teaching about the Holy Spirit in the Catholic Church.At least not here
May 23, 8:16 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Sr Susan I will pray for you and you good health.
:17 PM
Simone (Guest): Peter and I held a short retreat recently on the topic of the Holy Spirit and we had parishoners participate who are devout Catholics, but they have never really be taught about the Holy Spirit I found out 8:17 PM
Elena (Guest): I think it’s important for people to tune into stories of how teh Holy Spirit is working. it’s very easy to get distracted and dismayed at things going on in our world and yes even in the Church. Don’t let the evil one distract us from the truth that the Holy Spirit is MOVING and is DOING things.
May 23, 8:17 PM
Simone (Guest): and an absolute YES to this Elena
May 23, 8:17 PM
Elena (Guest): Oh yeah — my students don’t understand who the Holy Spirit is.
PM
Ruth (Guest): And each of us has a role in it. 18 PM
Simone (Guest): yes.. through our Spiritual Gifts – our Charisms.. God touches the world
May 23, 8:18 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Sr Susan please pray for our country Taiwan now our country is full of COVID and kill so many people please pray for Taiwan we need you prayer. For sr Susan from bettychao
2 PM
Simone (Guest): May I also recommend the book from Sherry Weddel on Spiritual Charisms? I have done the training with her ( the Catherine of Siena Institute).. Wonder- wonderful woman.. good deep catholic teaching M
Simone (Guest): Elena.. you should get the T-sHirt from Mary Magdalene.. from the Chosen.. Have you seen it? It fits to your conversion story 8:24 PM
Elena (Guest): Yes! I got the hoodie; it’s all I can do for now. Yes, Mary Magdalene has been a patron saint from the moment of my conversion. Also St. Augustine. My posse haha
May 23, 8:24 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): Psalm 1:6
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish.
Simone (Guest): and now I am another way.. ( or something that line.. right?) 25 PM
Elena (Guest): yes Simone where is sr Susan?
May 23, 8:26 PM
Elena (Guest): Also – thank you for the recommendation on the Sherry Weddel book.
May 23, 8:26 PM
Simone (Guest): Betty.. I think Sister Susan has to tend to some things tonight -besides our chat. I am not sure if she sees your posts right now. sorry
May 23, 8:27 PM
Ruth (Guest): I just typed the put the Weddel book info into my search engine.
M
Dawn (Guest): Please join me in continued prayers for the sisters tonight
23, 8:30 PM
Ruth (Guest): Spiritual Charisms is at the top of the list. Intentional communities mentioned later.
May 23, 8:30 PM
Simone (Guest): My dog needs to go out desperately it seems. Have to check out too.
May 23, 8:31 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Sr Susan I am happy you come back the chat and I was wonder where is sr Susan and I was worried about that but I am happy you are back to the chat. For sr Susan from bettychao
May 23, 8:31 PM
Dawn (Guest): Thank you Sr. and !!everyone!! Michael please come back again. Good night everyone!
May 23, 8:32 PM
Simone (Guest): May the JOY of the Holy Spirit be the strength for all of us!
May 23, 8:32 PM
Dawn (Guest): Amen+
May 23, 8:32 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): Sure will =-
May 23, 8:32 PM
Ruth (Guest): Thank you, everyone. The time after Pentecost! So ALIVE!
May 23, 8:32 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): ^
May 23, 8:32 PM
Bettychao (Guest): I will pray for you all alelluia praise God amen good bye everyone God bless you all.bettychao
May 23, 8:33 PM
Simone (Guest): Let’s write our chapters of Acts 29 this week
May 23, 8:33 PM
Dawn (Guest): Great idea!
May 23, 8:33 PM
Dawn (Guest): thank you~~
May 23, 8:34 PM
Ruth (Guest): May the Spirit move in all of us. I figure on having few lines in that one very long Chapter after the end of Chapter 28 in the Bible. Maybe that’s why God has given me some more time on earth.
May 23, 8:35 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): If anyone is doubting the credibility of our savour or the truth written in the bible, I have plenty of hard evidence. Though it is our faith that is most powerful, you may contact me anytime.
May 23, 8:36 PM
Ruth (Guest): Good night. God bless you!
May 23, 8:36 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): God bless!
May 23, 8:38 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): Seems it is just you and I ruth and other guest. Want to see some mind bogling evidence?
May 23, 8:38 PM
MichaelArchangel (Guest): just ask