Catholic Commission for Social Justice
“Be faithful to the Spirit, to proclaim Jesus with our lives, through our witness and our words“ (Pope Francis )
Today, as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, which is sometimes called “the birthday of our Church”, let us thank God for His gift of the Holy Spirit. As we seek to deepen our Faith during the Year of Faith, let us reflect on the many ways in which the gifts of the Holy Spirit can assist us as we strive to fulfil our vocation to live holy, virtuous lives as Christians.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.
On Wednesday May 15, CCSJ will mark the UN International Day of Families by hosting a seminar at Santa Rosa Parish Hall, Arima from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on the theme: “Justice for The Family, the basic cell of Society.”
This theme will incorporate the UN theme for 2013: “Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity“. Msgr Allan Ventour, parish priest, will open the session and Rebekah Ali-Gouveia, regional coordinator of the World Congress of Families, and I will be the speakers. Do join us.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”
Prayer must be an integral part of our daily lives as Catholics. “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God, or the requesting of good things from God” (Catechism, 2559). Prayer brings us closer to God and helps us as we strive to do His Will. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminded us in Charity in Truth that “without God man neither knows which way to go, nor even understands who he is…. ‘Apart from me you can do nothing’” (Jn 15:5). But Jesus promised us: “…Know that I am with you always, yes, to the end of time” (Mt 28:20). I hold fast to this promise as I pray.