The Fire of the Holy Spirit

“To love Jesus Christ is the greatest work that we can perform on this earth but it is a work and a gift that we cannot have of ourselves; it must come to us from Him and He is ready to give it to those who ask Him for it . . . A day will come . . . where we shall find united with us many hundreds of thousands of souls who at one time did not love God but who, brought back to His grace by means of us, will love Him and will be for all eternity a cause of gladness to ourselves. Should not this thought alone spur us on to give ourselves completely to the love of Jesus Christ, and to making others love Him? I finish but I could go on forever from the desire I have that I might see you all filled with love for Jesus Christ, and working for His glory.”
–St. Alphonsus Liguori, Founder of the Redemptorists Congregation

So, the hustle and bustle started once again. School, the fall rush, and all those cooler-weather chores waiting in the wings, are almost upon us—so be it. We are not overwhelmed or done-in; we are people of faith! Our strength comes from the Lord! And our peace is found in God’s companionship. The “long green season” of Pentecost is green, in part, to hold before our eyes what we know in our hearts: the world is where we live, but eternity is where we belong.

Long through the centuries men and woman have prayed for religious renewal and the deepening of the spirit for which we are so in need. St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) was known as the Patron Saint of Moral Theologians because of his brilliance, the Patron Saint of the work of Lay People because of his productivity, and the Patron Saint of Confessors. For 64 years he served the church as an Italian bishop, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher, theologian, and founder of The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (known as the Redemptorists). To say the least, St. Alphonsus was truly devoted to Christ. His 111 spiritual texts have gone through more than 20,000 separate editions and have been translated into more than 60 languages, making him the most published author in history.

St. Alphonsus’ prayer beautifully articulates the prayer of devotion and service to God. How in need we are of Christ’s inspiration and leadership as we seek His call to serve. As we begin the rush of the impending fall months, pray for guidance for us all and a discernment of call for yourself. The Fire of the Holy Spirit is ours as we face challenges every day, and we pray with St. Alphonsus to keep that truth before us always:

Holy Spirit, divine Consoler, I adore You as my true God, with God the Father and God the Son. I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You receive from the angels and saints.
I give You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You never cease to bestow on me.
O Giver of all supernatural gifts, who filled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Theotokos, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I beg pardon.
Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity.
Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation.
Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul.
Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter.
Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world.
Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next. Amen.
St. Alphonsus Liguori
 
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Bill+