“We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God”
Spirit of God – Open our Hearts
September 1, 2020
Today is Tuesday, September 1st in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. Today also marks the beginning of the month-long “Season of Creation” in which we are called to open our eyes to the need for Environmental Justice in our world. In today’s Touchstone reflection, my focus is on the first reading for today from 1 Cor 2: 10B-16, where we reflect upon the call to be led by the Spirit of God, rather than the spirit of the world.
As we hold the many ways we encounter the Spirit of God in our daily lives and in the world around us, we must also hold our call to renew and care for our environment. If you are interested in getting more involved with Environmental Justice, here are three suggestions:
1. To find out more information about the Annual month-long Season of Creation and to join in virtual prayer services and action steps, please go to their website: https://seasonofcreation.org/
2. The Ignatian Solidarity Network has a month-long Season of Creation Challenge. Their goal is to help us “start simple with one new daily habit for a healthy planet.” You can find more information on their website: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/season-of-creation/
3. If you would like to get involved in Environmental Justice at a more local level Most Precious Blood has a Creation Care Ministry. To learn more about this ministry and to get involved, please visit their page on our website: https://mpbdenver.org/parish-life/creation-care/
I share these resources because I don’t really discuss this Season of Creation in my reflection, as I am primarily focusing on an invitation to really see and pray with the Spirit of God. With Teresa Stone’s help, I have chosen the song “Holy Spirit” by Francesca Battistelli. As we prepare to reflect together, let us open our hearts with these words of prayer from the chorus:
Holy Spirit, You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for To be overcome by Your presence, Lord Your presence, Lord
Peace and be well,
Kristen
.
In this same vein, as an accompanying song I went scavenging through my own archives to find a favorite piece that I used to sing fairly often. Not really a church composition, per se, it is a song by Stephen Schwartz about being open and prepared enough to recognize when something amazing comes along and being ready take a chance, make the change necessary and embrace the unimagined possibilities of a greater, joy-filled life.
I hope you are all continuing to be well and to actively and intentionally hunt the good moments and savor them when you can.
God Bless,
Fr. Pat
Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading | 11 COR 2:10B-16
Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.
Among men, who knows what pertains to the man
except his spirit that is within?
Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God.
We have not received the spirit of the world
but the Spirit who is from God,
so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.
And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom,
but with words taught by the Spirit,
describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.
The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.
Among men, who knows what pertains to the man
except his spirit that is within?
Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God.
We have not received the spirit of the world
but the Spirit who is from God,
so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.
And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom,
but with words taught by the Spirit,
describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.
Now the natural man does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God,
for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it,
because it is judged spiritually.
The one who is spiritual, however, can judge everything
but is not subject to judgment by anyone.
for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it,
because it is judged spiritually.
The one who is spiritual, however, can judge everything
but is not subject to judgment by anyone.
For “who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to counsel him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.
But we have the mind of Christ.
Holy Spirit composed by Francesca Battistelli
Faith Direct remains our approved partner so that parishioners can give electronically. You can securely register or update via this link. Thank you MPB for your continued generous support of the parish and our many ministries.
Please share with friends and family.
If you wish to subscribe for news and updates from Most Precious Blood, click here.