Renew

On this Third Sunday of Easter, we continue to be reminded of the Divine Mercy we celebrated last week. During these subsequent Easter Sundays, each of us are invited to dwell in this good news. There is no need for us to rush on to the next season. We can sit with this and continue to rejoice. Jesus has Risen.

We are blessed to be in the presence of Jesus in many different places at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. One of the most prominent places being in the chapel. Celebrating mass is a beautiful gift. Sitting back and hearing the scripture as it is read aloud can be very moving, especially this week. In the Acts of the Apostles we learn Jesus has received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:33 “Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him forth, as you see and hear.”

This season is incredibly fruitful. Perhaps many of us feel this familiar rush that accompanies the springtime. As we transition out of the Lenten season we may be consumed with an urgency to pour fourth for ourselves. We wish to see and hear and to also be the ones who show and tell.

This eagerness is witnessed over and over again. There are so many people in each part of this parish who pour love onto others. I see and hear it among the kindergarten and 1st grade faith formation students my fiancé and I teach together, among the young adult women in my bible study, and throughout volunteer opportunities hosted by our church.

But I remember all too well the many seasons where it did not feel like it was pouring, where it didn’t even drip, it felt like it was all dried up. In these moments where I yearned for better understanding about difficult circumstances in my life or a desire to feel greater passion for my faith. During one of these periods I found myself coming back to this verse from Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:23 “Let the Holy Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”

The words used in this verse are intentional. It is important to note it does not say “get permission” or “ask” or “earn”. It is “Let the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit is already with you. It has been with you wherever you have wandered. The Holy Spirit is ready, patiently waiting for you to invite the Spirit into your life. This is profound.

 Embracing the idea we do not have to earn renewal can be overwhelming. Thoughts and attitudes can often cloud our judgement. We are fed lies that may tell us we are alone or that there are elements to our lives losing their meaning. We are not always able to realize that we are constantly within arm’s reach of abundanc

Renewal is beautiful. When we say the Nicene or Apostles’ Creed during mass we are reaffirming before our fellow parishioners this is our church and these are the foundational pieces that we believe and recommit to.

Renewal allows us to dive deeper. When we let the Holy Spirit in, we can often witness our walls come down. We are granted greater clarity to examine our lives and our faith. And most importantly, to do with the Holy Spirit reigniting our fire.

One of the many beautiful parts of this church community continues to be the growth that so many of her members are committed to. And my hope for you this week is that you let the Holy Spirit renew what you need.

Rebecca Houston

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First Eucharist Novena