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Welcome to our Bible Study Solemnity of Pentecost 24 May 2015 In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

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Welcome to our Bible

Study

Solemnity of Pentecost

24 May 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11 1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one

place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11 1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place

together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

The focus is the descent of the Holy Spirit.

1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11Inside the room

1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Outside the room

5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

Just a simple outline.

1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Inside the Room 1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,

they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Outside the Room 5 Now there were devout Jews from every

nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

Commentary Pentecost =50 days after the

resurrection The descent of the Holy Spirit coincides

with the Jewish Feast of Pentecost (Feast of Weeks, so called because it falls on the 50th

day after the ceremony of the barley sheaf during Passover. This agricultural feast marks

the beginning of the offering of first fruits.)

The reading is divided into two parts: 1st part: what happens inside the

room

2nd part: what happens outside the room

Inside the room are the apostles. The Holy Spirit comes in the form of a noise (sound) and tongues of fire.

Result:

The apostles speak in different languages (glossolalia)

1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Inside the Room 1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,

they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Outside the Room 5 Now there were devout Jews from every

nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

Outside the room are devout Jews from everywhere. They gather together because of the sound.

Their reaction:

They are confused, astounded, amazed. (They heard each one speaking in his own language).

They ask a question: How come these Galileans speak our own language?

The people mentioned represents the international community at that time.

They can be traced in the map in the early Church.

Reflections on the 1st reading

If we believe we truly possess the Holy Spirit, we can do amazing things and we can make all kinds of people feel different.

The Holy Spirit drives us to get out of our shell (comforts,

fears, misgivings, ignorance) and empowers us to do some serious business with other people.

This serious business is none other than the proclamation of God’s word.

Being quiet about our faith is a sign that we have not really understood what the Holy Spirit is all about.

Timidity has no place in the Church.

We do not need un-spirited leaders or even members of the church.

Resp.Psalm104:1.24. 29-30.31.34 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the

earth.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul!O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!24 How manifold are your works, O Lord!the earth is full of your creatures;

29 If you take away their breath, they perishand return to their dust.30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created,and you renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;may the LORD be glad in his works!34 Pleasing to him be my theme;I will be glad in the LORD.

Resp.Psalm104:1.24. 29-30.31.34 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your

Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul!O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!24 How manifold are your works, O Lord!the earth is full of your creatures;

29 If you take away their breath, they perishand return to their dust.30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created,and you renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;may the LORD be glad in his works!34 Pleasing to him be my theme;I will be glad in the LORD.

Commentary

The psalm is classified as a Hymn of Praise.

The response fits very well into the theme of the first reading. It talks about the Spirit.

The Old Testament (OT) has a different understanding of the Spirit from the NT or vice versa.

In v.1, the psalmist talks to himself. He encourages himself to bless the Lord.

V.1b expresses the praise of the psalmist to God.

V.24 recognizes the many accomplishments of the Lord.

The earth is not void, but full of creatures. It is a wonderful place to live in.

Resp.Psalm104:1.24. 29-30.31.34 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your

Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul!O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!24 How manifold are your works, O Lord!the earth is full of your creatures;

29 If you take away their breath, they perishand return to their dust.30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created,and you renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;may the LORD be glad in his works!34 Pleasing to him be my theme;I will be glad in the LORD.

V.29 recognizes God’s power over life (and death).

Breath is the symbol of life (It recalls Gen 2,7).

Taking away the breath and returning to dust means dying.

V.30 affirms God’s power to create and renew (re-create)

by sending his spirit.

In v.31, the psalmist wishes that God’s glory stay forever and God be happy in his creation.

In v.34, the psalmist wishes also that his rejoicing in the Lord will be pleasing to God.

Reflections on the Psalm

The psalm leads us to celebrate God’s greatness and his awe-inspiring deeds.

The psalm helps us to make (or compose) our prayer to God.

The psalm brings us back to the Genesis account of creation, to our origins.

We Christians must be able to appropriate the psalm.

We make it our own prayer.

The psalm is a theology in prayer.

We articulate in song and prayer our appreciation of God’s wonderful works.

2nd reading: Galatians 5:16-25 16 Live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the

desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

2nd reading: Galatians 5:16-25 16 Live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the

desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

The focus is on living in the Spirit.

2nd reading: Galatians 5:16-25The Spirit versus the Flesh

16 Live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spiritagainst the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Living in the Flesh

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Living in the Spirit

22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

A simple outline!

2nd reading: Galatians 5:16-25The Spirit versus the Flesh

16 Live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Living in the Flesh

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Living in the Spirit

22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

Commentary

V.16 tells that living by the Spirit cannot accommodate living by the flesh.

V.16 is a strong statement for those who say they live by the Spirit but do the opposite.

V.17 mentions the fight for supremacy between the Spirit and the flesh.

V.18 affirms that to be guided by the Spirit is freedom from the law.

The law seems to be associated with the flesh.

Judaism teaches the practice of the law to the letter.

2nd reading: Galatians 5:16-25The Spirit versus the Flesh

16 Live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Living in the Flesh

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Living in the Spirit

22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

Vv.19-21 enumerate the works of the flesh: Immorality (unethical)

Impurity (bad intentions, illicit sex)

Licentiousness (too much freedom, scandalous abuse of freedom)

Idolatry (too much love for money, positions, material things)

Sorcery (witchcrafts, superstitious acts, occult “acts”)

Hatreds (no good will, no love)

Rivalry (considering the other as enemy, to triumph over, not as brother or sister)

Jealousy (destructive desire to have what others have)

2nd reading: Galatians 5:16-25The Spirit versus the Flesh

16 Live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Living in the Flesh

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Living in the Spirit

22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

Outbursts of fury (no self-control, does not get hold of himself/ herself, misplaced anger, no sense of equilibrium)

Acts of selfishness (withholding help)

Dissensions (engaged in useless fights, war freak)

Factions (pitting one against another, partisan)

Occasions of envy (imprudent display of luxurious items to the less fortunate friends)

Drinking bouts (intoxication)

Orgies and the like (endless sex and food with people you have no relations, in secret)

Those living in the flesh will not see God. V.21b

2nd reading: Galatians 5:16-25The Spirit versus the Flesh

16 Live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Living in the Flesh

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Living in the Spirit

22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

Vv.22-23 enumerates the fruits of the Spirit:

Love (showing affection and care)

Joy (exudes contentment and happiness in spite of problems)

Peace (serenity of heart and mind)

Patience (endurance, ability to suffer without complaint)

Kindness (magnanimity)

Generosity (gives money)

Faithfulness (loyal)

Gentleness (cultured)

Self-control (can withhold gestures of disgust)

V.24 affirms that Christians have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. They nail down all these to immobilize them.

Reflections on the 2nd reading Living in the Spirit is living like God. (Living in = living by, in

Greek, dative)

This is holiness par excellence.

Those who claim to have the Spirit must exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.

If you are still living in the flesh, you are not a true charismatic, even if you are a member of a charismatic group.

Don’t be a fake.

Living in the Spirit is living in freedom from sin, from self and from the flesh.

Living in the Spirit is living in freedom to do a lot of things for the growth of the community.

Gospel reading: John 15:26-27;16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples, 26 "When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Gospel reading: John 15:26-27;16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples, 26 "When the Advocatecomes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

The focus is on the Holy Spirit.

Gospel reading: John 15:26-27;16:12-15 Jesus said to his disciples, 26

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Commentary

V.26 tells who the Holy Spirit is: He is an Advocate

(paraclete, comforter).

He is sent by Jesus.

He comes from the Father.

He is the Spirit of truth.

He is a witness to Christ.

In v.27, Jesus tells his disciples that they also testify because they have been with him, like the Holy Spirit, since the beginning.

Gospel reading: John 15:26-27;16:12-15 Jesus said to his disciples, 26

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

In v.12, Jesus has a lot of things to reveal to his disciples.

But he is aware, that for the moment, they cannot take (digest, process) them. (information overload?)

In v.13, Jesus assures them that they will know everything through the Spirit.

And what they will know is the truth.

What is this truth all about? Certainly, it is not information or data that can be archived.

The truth is something mysterious to live by.

It is immaterial, intangible, goes beyond intellect, and incomprehensible.

Gospel reading: John 15:26-27;16:12-15 Jesus said to his disciples, 26

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

V.13 tells more about the Holy Spirit:

He is the spirit of truth (v.26)

He guides to the truth.

He represents what he hears (from him or the Father).

He does speak for his own.

He declares what is to come. (anticipates, predicts)

V. 14 He will glorify

He declares the things of Jesus to the disciples.

V.15 points to the source of the things of Jesus: the Father.

Reflections on the gospel reading We, Christians, are the people to whom the Holy Spirit

is sent.

Since we have the Holy Spirit, our direction must be geared towards the truth, its attainment and its living out.

The question is: are we living according to the Spirit?

What we are supposed to be seeking now is the truth (not power, prestige and wealth).

The truth is approximately like this: How best we can be guided by the Holy Spirit.

How best we can attain knowledge, wisdom and the mystery of God.

How best we can live out our faith in our family or society.

How best we can relate to one another in charity and love.

How best we can respond to the needs of the poor.

You sweat it out, if you are really seeking the truth.

Tying the three readings and the Psalm

The first reading tells about the descent of the Holy

Spirit in the forms of sound and fire.

The psalm celebrates the creative and renewing

power of the Spirit.

The second reading tells the difference between

living in the Spirit and living in the flesh.

The gospel reading talks about Holy Spirit guiding us

to the truth.

How to develop your homily and sharing Begin by telling something about the charismatic groups

/ movements (El Shaddai, Love Flock, Lord’s Flock, Shalom

International, Pentecostal Movements, etc.), a phenomenon that started in the late 1800s in the US and in the late 60s or early 70s in the Philippines; their conversion experiences.

They are considered renewal movements of the Church.

They are led by a charismatic (attractive) preacher or founder.

The strength of these groups is their uninhibited recognition of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

They set the mood (condition themselves) to experience the Holy Spirit (baptism of the Holy Spirit, slain by the Spirit, prayer warrioring, etc.) through prayers and lively music.

They keep going back to their communities because of the promise of a better life.

But they can also experience division because of power struggle and money.

Now let us look deeper on what the readings say about the Holy Spirit.

The first reading tells about the coming of the Holy Spirit and its effects on the apostles and the people (glossolalia).

The coming of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise once he gets back to heaven.

He gifts the apostles with the gift of tongues

It is making yourself understood, by speaking the languages of other people.

You make a good impression to other people because you talk about the wonders of God in their own language.

The second reading encourages all Christians to live by the Spirit.

Although Paul understands it as the opposite to living by the law (Judaic law, Mosaic law), Paul is strongly against living by the flesh.

Living by the flesh is incompatible with living by the Spirit.

Living by the flesh is seeking satisfaction to your desires, tastes, impulses, instincts and caprices.

Living by the Spirit is abandonment of living by the flesh and living a virtuous life.

Christians living by the Spirit behave differently from those living in the flesh.

You can discern who these people are, if you truly possess the Holy Spirit.

In the gospel, the Spirit makes us interested in seeking the truth, not in material gains.

Submission to the guidance of the Holy Spirit sets your priority aright.

You become more interested in knowing God.

Enlightenment is your top priority.

If you are still busy justifying yourself (reasoning out why you are doing the things you are doing, inspite of the community’s

objections), you do not yet possess the Holy Spirit.

There is such a thing as communal discernment.

It is dangerous to believe that only you possess the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit has not been working in the group you belong to nor in other people.

The psalm helps us to see the Spirit of God as

creative and renewing.

With the stirrings of the Holy Spirit, there should

be no such thing as boring or old.

The Holy Spirit always renews, gives life, gives

fresh breath and re-creates.

Precisely, this is the reason why we must be

celebrative and rejoicing always.

People seeking to know more about God and his

message in the Bible and in the Church and in

the signs of the times is a sign of the presence of

the Holy Spirit.

Signs of the absence of the Holy Spirit:

no joy, not able to forgive,

vices, intoxication, division, violence,

misinformation,

no drive to worship God and be with others in praising

God for his wondrous deeds.

The eucharist is the sacrament of Christian joy

and unity promoted by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is truly in us if we accept the

presence of the Risen Lord in the form of bread

and wine.

To be a true charismatic is to bind oneself with

Christ in the eucharist and the Church

celebrating the eucharist, animated by the Holy

Spirit.

Our Context Charismatic movements

becoming institutional, like the institutional church, with its bureaucracy

Charismatic movements centered on the charisma of the founder, not on the Holy Spirit as understood in the NT.

People mesmerized by the wits and humour or eloquence of the preacher, who says nothing but Amen, alleluia, praise the Lord, for lack of theology.

Reckless claim to possess the Holy Spirit, when everyone disagrees with one another.

Catholic lay going to the TV and

radio to preach

Charismatics who still go to

confession

Charismatics who seek

guidance from the pastors

Christians who discern the

movement of the Spirit before

making a big decision

Lively celebrations

Spiritual direction

Ignatian spirituality

http://olasianofm.googlepages.com/home

Suggested Songs

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Ghost, traditional

Spirit of God by Sr. Mirriam Therese

The Spirit is a-Movin’ by Carey Landry