Happy Fifth Week of Easter!
Last week a person who is suffering the possibility of a cancer diagnosis joyfully helped for hours with all the prep for the weekend’s retreats and Confirmation celebration.
This past Sunday a person who just lost her husband came to help with the First Reconciliation Retreat, joyfully welcoming all the children and their families.
This morning a person who is suffering through negative and mean judgmental treatment from others went to the funeral service for a sister of a fellow staff member, staying true to their caring heart.
Life can bring many difficult challenges, but Jesus gave us a precious gift that enables us to live with those challenges with joy. That gift is the Holy Spirit.
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. John 14:25-26
This past Saturday 31 people celebrated their Confirmation. As Jesus tells us in this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, the Holy Spirit teaches us everything about how Jesus wants us to live and how to be filled with the joy of God that nothing life brings can take away.
Saturday afternoon 35 children celebrated their First Reconciliation. Jesus forgave their sins and blessed them through Fr. Louis, Fr. Riz, and Fr. Marco. They too can feel the joy of God.
Illness, death, unjust situations, hurtful relationships, loss of a job, stress, bullying, accidents…life brings difficult situations. Let’s remember all that Jesus taught us about God’s love and how to live so that we can find joy always. Come Holy Spirit, fill us.
Be blessed through the Holy Spirit with the joy of God no matter what life brings this week!