I think it’s important to look at the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the readings today, in light of our very divided world. In Acts, the Spirit does not give the disciples the ability to speak “the truth” or judge between right and wrong, but rather the ability to speak and understand people of foreign nations; in the Gospel of John, Jesus breathes his Spirit into the Apostles and gives them the ability to forgive sins; in the Corinthians reading, St. Paul reminds his readers that the Spirit gifts us in different ways, but ultimately they all make us one.

In a world always attempting to divide—which side are you on? what type of Catholic are you? who did you vote for?—the Spirit is trying to unite. Those who are blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit are those who can listen, hear, heal, forgive, and unite. I pray that we enter this world filled with those gifts.

The Spirit that Guides the Church

Many people claim to be moved by the Spirit. They may not say it in so many words, but there are many “spiritual” people out there. Unfortunately, many of these people believe that religion, or specifically the Church, is the antithesis of that. As Catholics, we know that this is not true. The Spirit guides the Church; spirituality is actualized by religion.

Different Charisms, Same Priesthood

One of the ways that the Spirit is actualized is through the work of the priesthood. In the Catholic Church, there are two ways that this is lived out: religious life or diocesan clergy. What are the similarities and differences of the two?

Funding the Mission

Everyone has the image of the Spirit going out into the world making a big difference. But how do these mission sustain themselves? Someone has to pay the electric bill, and in poor, remote areas, missions are hardly self-sufficient. This is where Br. Andy Brophy, OFM comes in.

Let Him Cook!

Very few people would consider St. Francis a culinary expert. And for good reason. As someone who fasted throughout his life and often begged for food, he was not someone we would base a cooking show off of. Unless, of course, we were interested in a light-hearted parody.

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Nothing “Ordinary” about our Time

With the conclusion of vespers today, Ordinary Time is upon us again. Of course, there is nothing “ordinary” about our lives as Christians. I pray that this season may be one of great spiritual growth and commitment to the mission of Christ!

Peace and good,

Fr. Casey