Why Neglect the Gift of the Holy Spirit?
Stephen Selbourne, Cape Town – Jesus left us a “programme”, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Why in heaven’s name do we neglect such a gift? God sent us his Son, and...
Category: Holy Spirit
Pope: Christian Life is Impossible without the Holy Spirit
By Junno Arocho Esteves – Christians must allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit if they expect to live a Christian life, Pope Francis said. Only through the Spirit can men and women...
Faith Can’t Be Taught, it Must Be Caught
Stephen Clark, Manila, Philippines – My wife and I were travelling recently in the north of the Philippines. It’s still a mission territory but even though there is not always a priest around, the...
Pope: Gossip Destroys Holy Spirit’s Gift of Peace
Peace is a gift that can easily be destroyed through petty gossip and speaking ill of others, Pope Francis said. People who receive and give the sign of peace “should be men and women of peace” and not ruin “the peace made by the Holy Spirit with your tongue,”
Pope: The Holy Spirit Offers Gifts!
Pope Francis asked Catholics to recognise and be thankful for the undeserved gift of the Holy Spirit they received with the sacrament of confirmation.
Pope: Confirmation Gives Catholics Strength to be Led by God
Everyone who has received the sacrament of confirmation has received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides them and gives them the strength to follow God’s will, Pope Francis said.
Without the Holy Spirit, Nothing Happens
I was an undergrad in philosophy at The Catholic University of America when I had the opportunity to attend an off-campus lecture by Rev. Alexander Schmemann, dean of St. Vladimir Orthodox Seminary in New...
The Birth of the Church: Pentecost Reflection
The Gospel of John describes how the Holy Spirit is given to the apostles: the risen Jesus breathing on the apostles to impart the Holy Spirit. This is Pentecost. The power of the Spirit not only authorises, but also empowers the apostles.
Pope: The Holy Spirit, Not Magic, Protects People from Evil
Those who receive the sacrament are given the strength to overcome “the temptation to separate from God, from his will, from communion with him and fall into the snares of worldly seductions,” the pope said during his weekly general audience.
Lifted By the Winds of Lent
Like many young children, I had a vivid and expressive imagination when I was young, and that came especially to the fore during play times. A princess who needed to be rescued, a wicked witch and an intrepid explorer were among the fantasy roles I enjoyed enacting.
Can’t Forgive Others? You Need the Holy Spirit
Forgiving those who have caused pain or offence is not easy, Pope Francis said. It is a grace that we have to ask for,” because the peace offered by Christ cannot take root in a heart that is incapable of living in fraternity with others and incapable of rebuilding those bonds after being wounded, the pope said
Do Families Have Rights?
Rights and responsibilities balance one another out, but when it comes to rights and respect, which comes first? Do rights flow from respect, or do rights lead to respect, or both?
