Church of the Home for Saturday, June 7
- Resurrection
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
Pentecost, celebrated this weekend - 50 days after Easter, is a vibrant and transformative time for Churches of the Home. It marks the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, igniting their hearts with divine inspiration and courage. This celebration is a chance to rekindle our own spiritual flames and open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Imagine gathering around the dinner table, sharing stories of how the Holy Spirit has touched each family member's life, and feeling the warmth of faith and love enveloping everyone. It's a time to embrace the Spirit's guidance, letting it breathe new life into daily routines and family traditions.
The beauty of Pentecost lies in its ability to unite and uplift. Picture a family attending Mass together, the church adorned with red to symbolize the Holy Spirit's fire. The hymns resonate deeply, and the prayers feel more profound. This shared experience strengthens the bonds between members of each household and between parish family members, creating a tapestry of faith woven with threads of communal worship and mutual support. It's a moment to pause and reflect on the journey of faith, to seek the Holy Spirit's wisdom in navigating life's challenges, and to celebrate the joy of being part of a larger, loving community.
Pentecost also inspires Churches of the Home to extend love beyond their homes. Families can organize a community service project, inspired by the apostles' mission to spread the Gospel. They might volunteer at a local shelter, plant a community garden, or simply reach out to neighbors in need. These acts of kindness and service embody the teachings of Christ, turning faith into action. By celebrating Pentecost, Churches of the Home not only honor their spiritual heritage but also contribute to the Church's mission of love, compassion, and solidarity. It's a celebration that transforms hearts and communities, one act of kindness at a time.
It will always be Pentecost in the church,
provided the church lets the beauty of the Holy Spirit
shine forth from her countenance.
When the church ceases to let her strength
rest on the power from above —which Christ promised her
and which he gave her on that day —and when the church leans rather on the weak forces
of the power or wealth of this earth,
then the church ceases to be newsworthy.
The church will be fair to see,
perennially young,
attractive in every age,
as long as she is faithful to the Spirit that floods her
and she reflects that Spirit
through her communities,
through her pastors,
through her very life.
— Saint Oscar Romero from “The Violence of Love”
To open yourself to the Holy Spirit, cultivate a life of prayer, engage with Scripture, and seek to obey God's Word. These practices help you build a relationship with the Spirit and become more receptive to His guidance.
Prayer: Form a habit of regular, heartfelt prayer, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and strength. Address the Holy Spirit directly in your prayers, acknowledging the Holy Spirit's presence and power.
Engage with Scripture: Read and meditate on the Bible daily, seeking the Holy Spirit's illumination and understanding. Pray for guidance in applying Scripture to your life and listen for the Spirit's voice.
Recognize Promptings: Be aware of "inspirations," urges to do good things that seem to come from outside yourself. The more you follow these, the more sensitive you become to the Spirit's movements.
Pay Attention to Inner Feelings: The Holy Spirit often brings feelings of peace, joy, love, and understanding. Pay attention to these sensations when you pray, worship, or meditate.
Surrender: Release attitudes, behaviors, and attachments that hinder love to the Holy Spirit with trust, accepting that this is an ongoing process.
Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Consider seeking advice from a spiritual director, mentor, or trusted friend who can guide you in your spiritual journey.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Happy Pentecost! As we celebrate the Holy Spirit's outpouring as the birth of the Church, we must notice the themes of forgiveness and mercy as the first priorities of the risen Christ, urging us to embrace diversity within the Christian community and to work towards unity. How do we recognize our shared faith and the importance of respecting differences among believers? We are all part of one family under God. Join Fr. Tim as he reflects on Pentecost.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Announcements
Ruby and Res
Ruby hopes her new home is filled with love like she's felt at Resurrection from people like Margaret.
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