"Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. …… The Father of orphans and defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads for the prisoners to prosperity." (Psalm 68: 5-7)
Father, I thank you for who you are. Help me to trust and appreciate you as Father. I ask for this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our brother. Amen!
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" (Acts 19:2)
St. Paul noticed that something is missing in the new believers. What was missing?
Wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is power. Where He is not, power is lacking. The discernment that the Holy Spirit was absent in some of the new Christians was apparent to Paul. Every Christian that has the Holy Spirit can make the same discernment. The discernment could be the first step in leading people to the Holy Spirit.
"Lord, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us that we may remain faithful and do your will in our daily lives ….." (Prayer at Mass in Eastertide)
Without the power of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to do God's will day after day. Faithfulness in following Jesus every day is a sign that the Holy Spirit is resident in a soul.
I need the light and courage from the Holy Spirit to do God's will in my life every day.
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. You will be my witnesses to all the world." (Acts 1: 8)
The Holy Spirit will give me power to witness to Jesus wherever and whenever He pleases. When will this happen? At the appointed time. This is the time of discipleship. Project Canisius is practicum.
"I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do." (John 17: 4)
We glorify God by accomplishing His work.
What work has the Father given me to do today? Today, I start preparing candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday.
What are some of the tools of discipleship?
Prayer, Eucharist, word of God, Sacrament of Reconciliation, study.
Father, may I glorify you through my work.
