Manifestatio Spiritus | The Same Spirit

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit” - 1 Cor 12:5.

As Christians who believe in Jesus Christ, we know that we all are different. Each of us is a special child of God.

We have much in common, but we have special spiritual gifts to serve others. Apostle Paul teaches us we should be friendly and compassionate. It is the foundation of our spiritual life.

If we want to progress and know ourselves better, we ought to live in peace. We need to receive God's Spirit and to accept Jesus as our Lord. 

Personal maturity consists in knowing our Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. I cannot know myself if I do not allow the Holy Spirit to work on me. I cannot receive all the gifts of the Spirit if I do not accept the truth about myself.

God the Father enriches and blesses each person. Thus, each of us has different spiritual gifts (v.4) and can do different things (v.5). But we are one in God.

We need to ask the Holy Spirit to let us know the best way of serving others (v.7).

O Holy Spirit, we praise you and worship you. Let us recognize our talents and skills to build one Church of Christ. We understand that all good things come from you. Thanks to your gifts we have great faith, we can heal the sick and even perform mighty miracles (v.10). We want to become your prophets in the present situation. We want to recognize your presence in the world. So we read the Scriptures and explain what your words mean. We pray in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Reflection on 1 Cor 12:1-11 by Fr. Józef Trzebuniak, SVD.

(Listen to the Podcast here)

In magnitudine Dei (Lk. 9:43)

 

The series of events concerning Jesus made it clear that He was "the Messiah of God" (Luke 9:20). Such events as the exorcism of evil spirits, the resurrection of the dead, the feeding of the five thousand people, the glorification on the mountain, etc. The three passages we read today show the struggle of his disciples to understand their calling as followers of Jesus.

They find it difficult to understand Jesus' announcement that He must suffer (Luke 9:44). It was very difficult for them that they also have to accept the cross. Actually, they dreamt about great honor and high position. But Jesus took a young child and made him a role model in the Kingdom of God. They were taught to serve in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

The teaching of this passage is extraordinary. As Christ's disciples, we are called to various ministries. We should not choose better status and position in the community. On the contrary, we are called to accept the cross and become despicable for God's sake.  

By Sr. Yanti Purnawati SFSC.

Signum videre (Mt. 12:38)

The Gospel portrays an encounter between the religious leaders and Jesus.  They want a sign as proof that Jesus truly is the Messiah.  Jesus tells them that the only sign they will be given will be His own rising three days after His death.  He implies that those who are open to the message of GOD will not need such a sign for they will have heard Jesus’ message and responded accordingly. 

I am reminded today that I am a sinner and also a holy person.  I have fallen short of being on target with the Lord Jesus. I have sinned. There is nothing I can do to make up for my sinfulness.  Forgiveness is a gift from GOD.  I cannot earn that gift.  I can ask for it, but I cannot do anything to make up for my sinfulness.  I can believe the words which Jesus spoke about GOD’s forgiveness, especially flowing from Jesus’ great sign of His death and resurrection.  Once I have been touched by the promises of salvation coming from the merciful and forgiving love of the Lord Jesus, I can only respond by living a more upright life.  I should want to live a righteous life, not because that will make up for my sinfulness, but because it shows that I have accepted the gift of GOD’s forgiveness and I want to be in relationship with the forgiving Lord Jesus.  I have been sinful, but I have been justified by a loving GOD through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 

We are invited to follow Jesus wherever He leads us. We should serve Him by being of service to His disciples. We have been given the sign of the saving power of GOD as we reflect on the death and the rising of Jesus.  Thus we should respond by doing right, loving Goodness, and walking humbly with our GOD. 

The personal question/action for today:  Am I like the religious leaders in the Gospel, asking for a sign from GOD?  Which aspect of triple request do I find most difficult to practice:  To do right (act justly); to love GOoDness (love tenderly), or walk humbly with GOD?  What can I do today to be more attentive to that particular aspect of my life with GOD?  How can I demonstrate to others the importance of acting justly, loving tenderly, and walking humbly with GOD?

By Sr. Mary, CM.