Catechism L5-19 The Coming of the Holy Spirit

 Prayer Before Studying

Incomprehensible Creator, the true Fountain of light and only Author of all knowledge: vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to enlighten our understandings, and to remove from us all darkness of sin and ignorance. Thou, who makest eloquent the tongues of those that want utterance, direct our tongues, and pour on our lips the grace of Thy blessing. Give us a diligent and obedient spirit, quickness of apprehension, capacity of retaining, and the powerful assistance of Thy holy grace; that what we hear or learn we may apply to Thy honor and the eternal salvation of our own souls.

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Holy Spirit, giver of all good gifts, enter into my mind and heart. Give me the gift of knowledge, wisdom, understanding and the grace to use it wisely. Help me in all my endeavors. Give me perseverance and fortitude. Help my memory, that I may remember what I learn and recall it when necessary. Guide me in my studies. You who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, let me not be deceived by false teaching. Our Lady of Good Studies, pray for me. Amen.


Come Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.



The Prayer Ablaze with the Fire of Your Spirit
O Lord, You have mercy on all,
take away from me my sins,
and mercifully set me ablaze
with the fire of Your Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a human heart,
a heart to love and adore You,
a heart to delight in You,
to follow and enjoy You.  Amen.
 

Topic/Agenda:

1.      To explain more about Holy Spirit & what took place during Pentecost.

2.      To explain the gifts of Holy Spirit.

3.      To explain the relationship of the seven Sacraments to Holy Spirit.

4.      To explain on how to receive the Holy Spirit.

1What are these words represent to you?

Wind	Fire	Dove
Strong Unseen Present everywhere	Warm Gives Light	Gentle Peaceful

Symbolism of the Holy Trinity

God the Son	God the Father	God the Holy Spirit
Cross or Crucifix Lamb Good Shepherd Anchor -  a cryptic way of displaying a cross. (Righteous) Branch Child holding a scroll The cross & orb The crown The Door FISH (Ichthus) - Greek word for fish; “I” = Jesus, “ch” = Christ, “th” = God, “u” = Son, “s” = Savior. Hand with wound Lion (of Judah) Ox - used also for sacrifices Pelican -- sacrifices itself for the young to live Rock -- massive rock (petras); chief cornerstone; The Sun (of Righteousness) The Vine	Face of God Father image Father's name  -- Jehova, YHWH (sacred name), Adonai (Lord), El Shaddai (the Almighty) Hand of God (variety) Triangle or Triangle with Yod Star of David with YHWH	Dove Flame of Fire Wind Seven Gifts of Holy Spirit Nine Gifts of Holy Spirit Seven-branch Candlestick Seven Burning Lamps

The Spirit within us

Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ

The Pentecost (Coming of Holy Spirit) 

After the Ascension the apostles stayed in a house with Mary.  They prayed together for nine days. Then, all at once, the sound of a great wind filled the house. Little flames of fire came and rested on each of them. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were not afraid anymore. They left the house and began to teach about Jesus. The Holy Spirit had given them many gifts. One was that people from all over the world could understand what the apostles were saying. And the Holy Spirit helped them to preach so well that many people believed in Jesus.  Three thousand people were baptized that day! (a total of 5 thousand people were baptized after Peter healed a lame man).

The Holy Spirit that came to the apostles is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit came to us at Baptism. He helps us to pray and to love.  He gives us the grace to win the fight against sin. He helps us understand the things we learn about God. The day the Holy Spirit came to the apostles is called Pentecost Sunday. We celebrate this day in church each year.  We also call Pentecost Sunday the "Birthday of the Church". Those who were baptized on Pentecost were first members.

Pentecost (Greek: Πεντηκοστή [ἡμέρα], Pentēkostē [hēmera], "the Fiftieth [day]") is the Greek name for the Feast of Weeks, a prominent feast in the calendar of ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai. This feast is still celebrated as Shavuot. Later, in the Christian liturgical year, it is also a feast commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the twelve Apostles of Christ.






The Holy Spirit

- What role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of Jesus?

> Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot understand Jesus. In his life the presence of God’s Spirit, whom we call the Holy Spirit, was manifest in a unique way. [CCC 689 – 691, 702 - 731]

- Under what names and signs does the Holy Spirit appear?

> The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus in a form of a dove.

> The first Christians experienced the Holy Spirit as a healing ointment, living water, a raging storm, or a flaming fire.

> Jesus Christ himself speaks about the Counselor, Comforter, Teacher, and the Spirit of Truth.

> In the sacraments of the Church, the Holy Spirit is bestowed through the imposition of hands and anointing with oil [CCC 691-693]

- What happened on Pentecost?

> Fifty days after his Resurrection, the Lord sent the Holy Spirit down from heaven upon his disciples. The age of the à Church began. [CCC 731-733]

 

Human Experience: 

Jesus and the Seven Sacraments:

A sacrament is an outward efficacious sign instituted by Christ to give grace. Jesus Christ himself is the sacrament, as he gave his life to save mankind. His humanity is the outward sign or the instrument of his Divinity. It is through his humanity that the life of the Trinity comes to us as grace through the sacraments. It is Jesus Christ alone who mediates the sacraments to allow grace to flow to mankind.

Christ sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to inspire his Apostles and his Church to shepherd his flock after his Ascension into heaven. "As the Father has sent me, even so I send you" (John 17:18, 20:21). Jesus is the Head of his Body the Church (Colossians 1:18). The Church itself is a sacrament instituted by Christ to give grace. Jesus gave us his Body the Church to continue the works he performed during his earthly life. Grace given to us through the sacraments will help us lead a good life in this world and help save us for the Kingdom of Heaven.

The sacraments were instituted by Christ and were part of the Liturgical Tradition of the early Christian Church. The Church celebrates in her liturgy the Paschal mystery of Christ, his Sacrifice on the Cross, Death and Resurrection. The Greek word μυστήριον or mystery in the Greek New Testament is translated into sacramentum in the Latin Vulgate Bible, from which we derive our English word sacrament (examples: Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:27). The saving effects of Christ's Redemption on the Cross are communicated through the sacraments, especially in the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist. The sacraments to this day are called mysteries in the Eastern Churches.

1. Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven. Baptism is necessary to salvation, because without it we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. The priest is the ordinary minister of Baptism; but in case of necessity any one who has the use of reason may baptize. Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Biblical references: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:5; Matt 19:14; Luke 18:15-16; Col 2:11-12; Rom 6:13; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; 1 Cor 1:16; Mark 16:16; Rom 5:18-19; Mark 10:14; Jos 24:15; Matt 8:5; Matt 15:21

2. Reconciliation (also known as Confession and Penance): Penance is a Sacrament in which the sins committed after Baptism are forgiven. Penance remits sins and restores the friendship of God to the soul by means of the absolution of the priest. I know that the priest has the power of absolving from the sins committed after Baptism, because Jesus Christ granted that power to the priests of His Church when He said: "Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins you shall retain, they are retained." To receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily we must do five things:     We must examine our conscience.     We must have sorrow for our sins.     We must make a firm resolution never more to offend God.     We must confess our sins to the priest.     We must accept the penance which the priest gives us. The examination of conscience is an earnest effort to recall to mind all the sins we have committed since our last worthy confession. Before beginning the examination of conscience we should pray to God to give us light to know our sins and grace to detest them. We can make a good examination of conscience by calling to memory the commandments of God, the precepts of the Church, the seven capital sins, and the particular duties of our state in life, to find out the sins we have committed. Biblical references: Matt 9:2-8; Jn 20:22-23; 2 Cor 5:17-20; James 5:13-16; Matt 18:18; 1 Jn 5:16

3. Holy Communion (Holy Eucharist): The Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament which contains the body and blood, soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the night before He died. When our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist the twelve Apostles were present. Our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist by taking bread, blessing, breaking, and giving to His Apostles, saying: Take ye and eat. This is My body; and then by taking the cup of wine, blessing and giving it, saying to them: Drink ye all of this. This is My blood which shall be shed for the remission of Sins. Do this for a commemoration of Me. When our Lord said, This is My body, the substance of the bread was changed into the substance of His body; when He said, This is My blood, the substance of the wine was changed into the substance of His blood. Jesus Christ is whole and entire both under the form of bread and under the form of wine. After the substance of the bread and wine had been changed into the substance of the body and blood of our Lord there remained only the appearances of bread and wine, which means that visibly, and to all our senses, the bread and wine looked and tasted the same as before it was consecrated. The substance of the bread and wine was changed into the substance of the body and blood of Christ by His almighty power. This change of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ continues to be made in the Church by Jesus Christ through the ministry of His priests. Christ gave His priests the power to change bread and wine into His body and blood when He said to the Apostles, Do this in commemoration of Me. The priests exercise this power of changing bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ through the words of consecration in the Mass, which are the words of Christ: This is My body; this is My blood. Biblical references: Jn 6:35-71; Mt 26:26ff; 1 Cor 10:16; 1 Cor 11:23-29; Ex 12:8,46; Jn 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7; Jn 4:31-34; Matt 16:5-12; 1 Cor 2:14-3:4; Ps 27:2; Is 9:18-20; Is 49:26; Mic 3:3; 2 Sam 23:15-17; Rev 17:6,16

4. Confirmation is a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. The bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation. The bishop extends his hands over those who are to be confirmed, prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost, and anoints the forehead of each with holy chrism in the form of a cross. Holy chrism is a mixture of olive-oil and balm, consecrated by the bishop. In anointing the person he confirms the bishop says: I sign thee with the sign of the cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. By anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross is meant, that the Christian who is confirmed must openly profess and practice his faith, never be ashamed of it, and rather die than deny it. Persons of an age to learn should know the chief mysteries of faith and the duties of a Christian, and be instructed in the nature and effects of this Sacrament. Biblical references: Acts 19:5-6; Acts 8:14-17; 2 Cor 1:21-22; Eph 1:13; Heb 6:2

5. The Sacrament of Matrimony is the Sacrament which unites a Christian man and woman in lawful marriage. A Christian man and woman cannot be united in lawful marriage in any other way than by the Sacrament of Matrimony, because Christ raised marriage to the dignity of a Sacrament. The bond of Christian marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power. The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are:     To sanctify the love of husband and wife;     To give them grace to bear with each other´s weaknesses;     To enable them to bring up their children in the fear and love of God. To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the laws of the Church. The Church alone has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of marriage, though the state also has the right to make laws concerning the civil effects of the marriage contract. Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist; by begging God to grant them a pure intention and to direct their choice; and by seeking the advice of their parents and the blessing of their pastors. Biblical references: Matt 19:5; Mark 10:7-12; Eph 5:22-32; 1 Thess 4:4; Mal 2:14-16; Matt 5:32-33; Matt 19:4-6,9; Mark 10:11-12; Lk 16:18; Rom 7:2-3; 1 Cor 7:10-11

6. Holy Orders is a Sacrament by which bishops, priests, and other ministers of the Church are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. To receive Holy Orders worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, to have the necessary knowledge and a divine call to this sacred office. Christians should look upon the priests of the Church as the messengers of God and the dispensers of His mysteries. Only bishops can confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Biblical references: Acts 20:28; Lk 22:19; Jn 20:22; Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3; Acts 14:22; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; Tit 1:5

7. Anointing of the Sick (formerly known as Extreme Unction or Last Rites): Extreme Unction is the Sacrament which, through the anointing and prayer of the priest, gives health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness. We should receive Extreme Unction when we are in danger of death from sickness, or from a wound or accident. We should not wait until we are in extreme danger before we receive Extreme Unction, but if possible we should receive it whilst we have the use of our senses. The effects of Extreme Unction are:     To comfort us in the pains of sickness and to strengthen us against temptation;     To remit venial sins and to cleanse our soul from the remains of sin;     To restore us to health, when God sees fit. By the remains of sin I mean the inclination to evil and the weakness of the will which are the result of our sins, and which remain after our sins have been forgiven. We should receive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction in the state of grace, and with lively faith and resignation to the will of God. Biblical references: Mk 6:12-13; Jm 5:14

Life Application:

Why do we need Holy Spirit? What are the benefits or gifts of Holy Spirit?:

1. Confirm prophet speaking from God: (Heb 2:3,4)

2. Edify/uplift church: (1 Cor 12:7)

What does the Holy Spirit do in the Church?

Ø The Holy Spirit builds up the à CHURCH and impels her. He reminds her of her à MISSION. He calls people into her service and sends them the necessary gifts.

Ø He lead us ever deeper into communion with the Triune God. [CCC 689 – 691, 702 - 731]

7 Gifts according to Isaiah 11:2-3

9 Gifts according to 1 Corinthians 12:8-10

1.      Wisdom (Sapientia) -- It is the capacity to love spiritual things more than material ones. Wisdom is the first and highest gift of the Holy Spirit, because it is the perfection of faith. Through wisdom, we come to value properly those things which we believe through faith. The truths of Christian belief are more important than the things of this world, and wisdom helps us to order our relationship to the created world properly, loving Creation for the sake of God, rather than for its own sake. 2.      Understanding (intellectus) -- In understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as followers of Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live. The gift of understanding perfects a person's speculative reason in the apprehension of truth. It is the gift whereby self-evident principles are known, Aquinas writes. Understanding is the second gift of the Holy Spirit, and people sometimes have a hard time understanding (no pun intended) how it differs from wisdom. While wisdom is the desire to contemplate the things of God, understanding allows us grasp, at least in a limited way, the very essence of the truths of the Catholic Faith. Through understanding, we gain a certitude about our beliefs that moves beyond faith. 3.      Counsel / Right Judgment -- With the gift of counsel/right judgment, we know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values taught by Jesus. Counsel, the third gift of the Holy Spirit, is the perfection of the cardinal virtue of prudence. Prudence (caution with regard to practical matters) can be practiced by anyone, but counsel is supernatural. Through this gift of the Holy Spirit, we are able to judge how best to act almost by intuition. Because of the gift of counsel, Christians need not fear to stand up for the truths of the Faith, because the Holy Spirit will guide us in defending those truths.  Cardinal means -- of prime importance; chief; principal 4.      Fortitude / Strength / Courage (fortitudo) -- With the gift of fortitude/courage, we overcome our fear and are willing to take risks as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or physical harm. The gift of courage allows people the firmness of mind that is required both in doing good and in enduring evil.  While counsel is the perfection of a cardinal virtue, fortitude is both a gift of the Holy Spirit and a cardinal virtue. Fortitude is ranked as the fourth gift of the Holy Spirit because it gives us the strength to follow through on the actions suggested by the gift of counsel. While fortitude is sometimes called courage, it goes beyond what we normally think of as courage. Fortitude is the virtue of the martyrs that allows them to suffer death rather than to renounce the Christian Faith. 5.      Knowledge (Scientia) -- With the gift of knowledge, we understand the meaning of God. The gift of knowledge is more than an accumulation of facts. The fifth gift of the Holy Spirit, knowledge, is often confused with both wisdom and understanding. Like wisdom, knowledge is the perfection of faith, but whereas wisdom gives us the desire to judge all things according to the truths of the Catholic Faith, knowledge is the actual ability to do so. Like counsel, it is aimed at our actions in this life. In a limited way, knowledge allows us to see the circumstances of our life the way that God sees them. Through this gift of the Holy Spirit, we can determine God's purpose for our lives and live them accordingly. 6.      Piety / Reverence (Pietas) -- With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church. A person with reverence recognizes our total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love. Piety is the gift whereby, at the Holy Spirit's instigation, we pay worship and duty to God as our Father, Aquinas writes. Piety, the sixth gift of the Holy Spirit, is the perfection of the virtue of religion. While we tend to think of religion today as the external elements of our faith, it really means the willingness to worship and to serve God. Piety takes that willingness beyond a sense of duty, so that we desire to worship God and to serve Him out of love, the way that we desire to honor our parents and do what they wish. 7.      Fear of the Lord / Wonder & Awe (Timor Domini)  -- With the gift of fear of the Lord we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love. This gift is described by Aquinas as a fear of separating oneself from God. He describes the gift as a "filial fear," like a child's fear of offending his father, rather than a "servile fear," that is, a fear of punishment. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7) because it puts our mindset in correct location with respect to God: we are the finite, dependent creatures, and He is the infinite, all-powerful Creator. The seventh and final gift of the Holy Spirit is the fear of the Lord, and perhaps no other gift of the Holy Spirit is so misunderstood. We think of fear and hope as opposites, but the fear of the Lord confirms the theological virtue of hope. This gift of the Holy Spirit gives us the desire not to offend God, as well as the certainty that God will supply us the grace that we need in order to keep from offending Him. Our desire not to offend God is more than simply a sense of duty; like piety, the fear of the Lord arises out of love.

1.      Wisdom (Sapientia) -- The supernatural application of knowledge. "Wisdom" is "skill, cleverness, the right application of knowledge." The Word of Wisdom gives us the skill in knowing how and when to minister accurately by the Holy Spirit into peoples' lives. It makes the timing right and enables the other Gifts to make a significant impact.  Wisdom is clearly taught in the Word of God and “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding” (Psalm 11:10). This is the precious gift that Solomon asked for and received from God to be able to rightly rule God‘s nation (I Kings 3:12). With this wisdom, Solomon could understand what do in difficult decisions. Wisdom is also associated with fearing the Lord. 2.      Knowledge (Scientia) -- The revelation of facts past, present or future which were not learned through the efforts of the natural mind. God-given disclosures. Some people have such a gift of remembering scriptures. They have knowledge of God and His ways. They seem to be able to quickly distinguish which is biblical and which is not. Some translations say it is the “Word” of knowledge while others say that it is the “utterance” of knowledge. The Word is most certainly the Word of God. The “utterance” of knowledge could indicate that those with the gift of knowledge know when to speak particular words, when not to, and what words to speak with. Both words seem to fulfill what true knowledge is. These with this gift make excellent teachers, deacons, elders, or pastors. 3.      Faith -- The mysterious surge of confidence which sometimes arises within a person faced with a specific situation or need. Those with this gift are truly amazing in how they see things. They tend to exude confidence in all situations. For example, our church deacon has said about our church growth “when” it grows we will need more Sunday school books, while others say “if” we grow we will need additional books. I met an evangelist once that spoke about things as if they already had existed or had come to pass. He spoke about finances that God would provide while simultaneously have nothing to show for it in the church’s bank account. He would always later prove to be right. This is a person more like God. He sees things that aren’t as if they already are! 4.      Gifts of Healing -- To supernaturally bring cure for the sick, physical, spiritual and emotional; to make whole in the fullest sense of the word; saving from disease and its effects. Some “faith healers” claim to have this gift yet have often been exposed to be frauds by undercover reporters. Many of those “healed” have been interviewed prior to their supposed healing. Some tap the power of positive thinking to convince them that they are healed. Others have even used “scam artists” or actors to portray someone that has been healed from an infirmity that they never actually had. 5.      Working Miracles -- A remarkable or surprising event that happens by the direct intervention of God, not following the general known laws of nature. Examples:      Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:25-33 ).    Joshua commanding the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-14 ) 6.      Prophecy (Speak out) -- The Gift of Prophecy is the special ability that God gives to members of the Body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His gathered people, a group among them, or any one of His people individually, through a divinely anointed utterance. The Greek word for prophecy, "propheteia," implies that one is speaking for another; speaking on behalf of God. We are exhorted to specifically desire to prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1,31). 7.      Discerning of Spirits -- The Gift that gives the Christian insight into the supernatural world. The Gift is to enable the person to know the motivation behind a situation or person. The Apostle Paul discerned a spirit of divination in a girl (Acts 16:16-40 ) - This Gift is for the discerning of good spirits more than the evil spirits. Being aware of good people and the good spirit that motivates them, i.e. gentle, sweet, loving, faithful, etc. Counselling situations: discerning the genuine from the dishonest (truth from lies). Revealing error in individuals or ministries, e.g. when Peter spoke to Jesus and then was rebuked (Matthew 16:21-23 ).  Evaluating the operation of Spiritual Gifts. 8.      Divers (or different) kinds of Tongues -- The Gift of Tongues is the supernatural ability to speak to others and/or to God in a language or utterance never learned by the speaker. Foreign or Known Languages: The ability to speak in different tongues came on Pentecost, there were many speaking in tongues.  Unknown Language: "The man who speaks in a 'tongue' addresses not men (for no one understands a word he says) but God: and only in his spirit is he speaking spiritual secrets" (1 Corinthians 14:2). "For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the (Holy) Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. 9.      Interpretation of (different) Tongues -- The Gift by which God made intelligible what was hidden from all. It is the ability through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to bring understandable meaning to an inspired public message in tongues. If one accepts that The Gift of Tongues is directed toward God in the form of prayer, or praise, or thanksgiving, or exaltation of the Name and Majesty of God, then The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues will be of the same character.

What does the Holy Spirit do in my life?

Ø The Holy Spirit makes me receptive to God; He teaches me to pray and helps me to be there  for others. [CCC 738 - 741]

Ø St. Augustine calls the Holy Spirit  “The quiet guest of our soul”. Anyone who wants to sense his presence must be quiet. Often this Guest speaks very softly within us and with us, for instance, in the voice of our conscience or through other interior and exterior promptings.

Ø Being a “temple of the Holy Spirit” means being there, body and soul, for this Guest, for God in us. Our body is therefore God’s living room, so to speak.

Ø The more receptive we are to the Holy Spirit in us, the more He becomes the master of our life ==> CHARISMS for the upbuilding of the Church. And so, instead of the ==> WORKS OF THE FLESH,    the ==> FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT grow in us.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is life changing Experience:

The really valuable contribution of the Charismatic renewal is their relentless emphasis on the truth that receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is a real, life-changing experience. Christianity is not merely an array of glorious ideas. It is not merely the performance of rituals and sacraments. It is the life-changing experience of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ the Lord of the universe.

Do we have it now?

Two Things That Characterize This Holy Spirit Experience:

• A Heart of Praise or Gift of Prophecy (Speak out)
• Obedience or Fortitude

How to Receive the Holy Spirit?

1. The Word of God Must Be Heard --  God's plan must be heard that Jesus was crucified, raised, and exalted as Lord over all the universe and that forgiveness of sin and spiritual renewal can be had from him.

2.      The Sovereign God Must Call Men and Women -- No one comes to faith in Christ unless the Father draws him (John 6:44, 65). . The preached Word is heard with conviction and power only when the effectual call of God lays hold on the hearers.

3.      We Must Receive the Word -- "So those who received his word were baptized." Receiving the Word means that it becomes part of you so that you trust the Christ it presents. You trust his provision for your forgiveness. You trust his path for your life. You trust his power to help you obey. And you trust his promises for your future. And that radical commitment to Christ always involves repentance—a turning away from your own self-wrought provisions and paths and powers and promises. And when you really turn to Christ for new paths and new power, you open yourself to the Holy Spirit, because it is by his Spirit that Christ guides and empowers.

4.      We Must Express Faith Through Water Baptism -- Finally, we must give an open expression of faith in the act of water baptism in obedience to Jesus Christ.

5.      Ask for the gifts, have faith and expect it to happen -- in Acts 19:2-5, shows that Paul asking people if they have received and experienced the Holy Spirit. Christianity is not merely an array of glorious ideas. It is not merely the performance of rituals and sacraments. It is the life-changing experience of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ the Lord of the universe.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

• Love (Charity)  ==>  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

• Joy / Gladness  ==> The joy referred to here is deeper than mere happiness, is rooted in God and comes from Him. Since it comes from God, it is more serene and stable than worldly happiness, which is merely emotional and lasts only for a time.

• Peace (Shalom)  ==>  expresses the idea of wholeness, completeness, or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by the outward circumstances or pressures. Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace, who brings peace to the hearts of those who desire it.

• Patience  ==>  applied this word to a man who could avenge himself but did not. This word is often used in the Greek Scriptures in reference to God and his attitude to man. Exodus 34:6 describes the Lord as "slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity." Patience is "longsuffering" or "endurance"; "With lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love".

• Kindness (Benignity) ==>  mellow or smooth. Christ used this word in Matthew 11:30, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.“ Is acting for the good of people regardless of what they do; kindness that is also serviceable. To show kindness or to be friendly to others;  Kindness is doing something and not expecting anything in return. Kindness is respect and helping others without waiting for someone to help one back.

• Goodness ==>

–The state or quality of being good

–Moral excellence; virtue;

–Kindly feeling, kindness, generosity, joy in being good

–The best part of anything; Essence; Strength;

–General character recognized in quality or conduct.

• Faithfulness ==> the core-meaning of faith as being "divine persuasion", received from God, and never generated by man. It is defined as the following: objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful:—believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true.

–trusty, faithful --> of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties; one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust

–easily persuaded --> believing, confiding, trusting

–living our life in accordance with God's will at all times.

• Gentleness (Mildness) ==> commonly known as meekness, which is "a divinely-balanced virtue that can only operate through faith. “A disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced in spirit, unpretentious, and that has the passions under control. The word is best translated 'meekness,' not as an indication of weakness, but of power and strength under control. The person who possesses this quality pardons injuries, corrects faults, and rules his own spirit well”.

• Self-control (Continence) ==> meaning "strong, having mastery, able to control one's thoughts and actions. It is the exercise of moderation in all things.

• Chastity ==> means indulging our physical desires only within the appropriate contexts—for instance, engaging in sexual activity only within marriage.

• Modesty ==> Being modest means humbling yourself, acknowledging that any of your successes, achievements, talents, or merits are not truly your own but gifts from God.

• Longanimity (or Long-Suffering) è is patience under provocation. While patience is properly directed at other's faults, to be long-suffering is to endure quietly the attacks of others.

"...make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love".

Prayer to the Holy Spirit
O Holy Spirit, one with the Father and Son, Purifier and Comforter of all, fill the hearts of your servants. You are the gift of God most high, Wellspring of Life, spiritual Unction, Fire and Love. You are the promise of the Father and the owner of the Seven Gifts. Enrich us with your gifts and fruits. Grant us purity of thought, humility of speech and prudence of action. Grant us perseverance in the midst of sufferings, faith to clear our doubts, hope in the midst of disappointments in life and love to see you in others. May all praise, glory and thanks be to you, who lives and dwells with the Almighty Father and his only Son, Jesus Christ forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for the Help of the Holy Spirit
O God, I thank you for this day and the lessons that we have learned today.  May You send forth your Holy Spirit and stay forever into my heart that I may perceive and understand You more, into my mind that I may remember, and into my soul that I may meditate.  Inspire me to speak and behave with patience, piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct my thoughts and senses from beginning to end. By Your grace, we may live and preach on the Words that You spoke to us today. May your grace ever help and correct me, and may I be strengthened now with love and wisdom from on high, for the sake of your infinite mercy. Amen.

References:

• Holy Bible (New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition)
• Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Wikipedia
• New Advent (www.newadvent.org)
• www.vatican.va
• http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/how-to-receive-the
• http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/flow_gifts

Catechism L5-18 Jesus is Risen and Returns to the Father

 Prayer Before Studying

Incomprehensible Creator, the true Fountain of light and only Author of all knowledge: vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to enlighten our understandings, and to remove from us all darkness of sin and ignorance. Thou, who makest eloquent the tongues of those that want utterance, direct our tongues, and pour on our lips the grace of Thy blessing. Give us a diligent and obedient spirit, quickness of apprehension, capacity of retaining, and the powerful assistance of Thy holy grace; that what we hear or learn we may apply to Thy honor and the eternal salvation of our own souls.

=== 0 ===

Holy Spirit, giver of all good gifts, enter into my mind and heart. Give me the gift of knowledge, wisdom, understanding and the grace to use it wisely. Help me in all my endeavors. Give me perseverance and fortitude. Help my memory, that I may remember what I learn and recall it when necessary. Guide me in my studies. You who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, let me not be deceived by false teaching. Our Lady of Good Studies, pray for me. Amen.

Prayer for Lent
Lord Jesus Christ,
You have taken the sting from death
and robbed the grave of its victory.
In holy baptism, You have given us
a share also in Your risen life.
We thank You for all the good things
we have received from Your bountiful love.
We bless You for the courage
to carry our daily burdens.
We praise You for the salvation
You have won for us.
When we shall have finished
the work our Father gave us to do here,
be to us a gentle Savior.
May we seek You eagerly,
find You surely, and share in
Your unfading triumph
for all ages of ages.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Amen.

Topic/Agenda:

1.      To explain the events which took place on Easter and the following days -- Apparitions of Christ.

2.      To explain the Great Commission.

3.      To explain the significance of the Paschal Candle and others.

4.      To teach the origin and meaning of the Easter symbols.

(Dates are given for sample illustration purposes only)

The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-9)

28 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. ² And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴ For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he^[a] lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,^[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” ⁸ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The Report of the Guard

¹¹ While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. ¹² After the priests^[c] had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, ¹³ telling them, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ¹⁴ If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” ¹⁵ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day.

The Commissioning of the Disciples

¹⁶ Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:1-12)

24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. ² They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³ but when they went in, they did not find the body.^{[a] 4} While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. ⁵ The women^[b] were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men^[c] said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.^{[d] 6} Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, ⁷ that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” ⁸ Then they remembered his words, ⁹ and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. ¹⁰ Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. ¹¹ But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. ¹² But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

³⁶ While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”^{[l] 37} They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. ³⁸ He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” ⁴⁰ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.^{[m] 41} While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³ and he took it and ate in their presence.
⁴⁴ Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah^[n] is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses^[o] of these things. ⁴⁹ And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

⁵⁰ Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.^{[p] 52} And they worshiped him, and^[q] returned to Jerusalem with great joy; ⁵³ and they were continually in the temple blessing God.^[r]

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The Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1-11)

16 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. ² And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³ They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” ⁴ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. ⁵ As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. ⁶ But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” ⁸ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.^[a]

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

⁹ [[Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. ¹⁰ She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. ¹¹ But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples

¹² After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. ¹³ And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Jesus Commissions the Disciples

¹⁴ Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.^{[c] 15} And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news^[d] to the whole creation. ¹⁶ The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes in their hands,^[e] and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The Ascension of Jesus

¹⁹ So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. ²⁰ And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.
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The Resurrection of Jesus (John 20:1-23)

20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. ² So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” ³ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. ⁴ The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, ⁷ and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; ⁹ for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

¹¹ But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look^[a] into the tomb; ¹² and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. ¹³ They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” ¹⁴ When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. ¹⁵ Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” ¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,^[b] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). ¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” ¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

¹⁹ When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” ²² When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”


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John 21

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

21 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. ² Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin,^[a] Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. ³ Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

⁴ Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. ⁵ Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” ⁶ He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. ⁷ That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. ⁸ But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards^[b] off.
⁹ When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jesus and Peter

¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” ¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” ¹⁹ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Jesus and the Beloved Disciple

²⁰ Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” ²¹ When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” ²² Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” ²³ So the rumor spread in the community^[c] that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”^[d]
24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. ²⁵ But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
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Acts 1  (New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE))

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning ² until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. ³ After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. ⁴ While staying^[a] with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with^[b] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Ascension of Jesus

⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰ While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. ¹¹ They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”


Summary of Events in 4 Books

Meaning and Saving Significance of the Resurrection

• CCC 651 "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." 521 The Resurrection above all constitutes the confirmation of all Christ's works and teachings. All truths, even those most inaccessible to human reason, find their justification if Christ by his Resurrection has given the definitive proof of his divine authority, which he had promised.

• CCC 652 Christ's Resurrection is the fulfillment of the promises both of the Old Testament and of Jesus himself during his earthly life. 522 The phrase "in accordance with the Scriptures“ 523 indicates that Christ's Resurrection fulfilled these predictions.

• CCC 653 The truth of Jesus' divinity is confirmed by his Resurrection. He had said: "When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he." 524 The Resurrection of the crucified one shows that he was truly "I AM", the Son of God and God himself. So St. Paul could declare to the Jews: "What God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.'" 525 Christ's Resurrection is closely linked to the Incarnation of God's Son, and is its fulfillment in accordance with God's eternal plan.

• CCC 654 The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ liberates us from sin; by his Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life. This new life is above all  justification that reinstates us in God's grace, "so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." 526 Justification consists in both victory over the death caused by sin and a new participation in grace. 527 It brings about filial adoption so that men become Christ's brethren, as Jesus himself called his disciples after his Resurrection: "Go and tell my brethren." 528  We are brethren not by nature, but by the gift of grace, because that adoptive filiation gains us a real share in the life of the only Son, which was fully revealed in his Resurrection.

• CCC 655 Finally, Christ's Resurrection - and the risen Christ himself is the principle and source of our future resurrection: "Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. . . For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." 529 The risen Christ lives in the hearts of his faithful while they await that fulfillment . In Christ, Christians "have tasted. . . the powers of the age to come" 530 and their lives are swept up by Christ into the heart of divine life, so that they may "live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." 530

Human Experience: 

Resurrection of Jesus Christ vs. History of Easter:

Resurrection Holiday	Easter Holiday
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the central event of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul even goes so far to say that if Jesus Christ has not been resurrected then the Christian faith is worthless and futile	Easter was originally  derived from  the  word Eostre (Eostur, Eastar, Ostara, & Oastar).  Eostre was  the  ancient Greek goddess of spring.  It  was believed  that every  year, Eostre returned to Earth after a long, cold  winter  and brought  along with her  the light and  warmth  of Spring.
Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it is not fixed in relation to the civil calendar. The First Council of Nicaea following the March equinox. The date of Easter therefore varies between 22 March and 25 April.  Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism, as well as by its position in the calendar. The Western churches (Catholic & Protestant) celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. The Eastern churches (Greek, Russian, & other forms of Orthodoxy) used the same calculation but based on Julian Calendar (on which March 21 is April 3) & a 19-year paschal cycle. Passover Easter Pascha 2013 Mar 25 - Apr 2 Mar 31 May 5 2014 Apr 14 - 22 Apr 20 Apr 20 2015 Apr 3 - 11 Apr 5 Apr 12 2016 Apr 22 - 30 Mar 27 May 1 2017 Apr 10 - 18 Apr 16 Apr 16	The  Pagan festivals  always coincided with the vernal  Equinox on  the  21st  of March every year. Equinox -- when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth's equator. The spring equinox is fixed for this purpose as March 21 & the "full moon" is actually the paschal moon, which is based on 84-year "paschal cycles" established in the 6th century & rarely corresponds to the astronomical full moon.
The Cross -- This is the symbol for the Christian religion as Jesus was nailed to a cross but then came back to life. Lambs -- The lamb is a symbol as people thought of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who would watch over them as they were lambs. Lambs are born in spring. The Israelites also used lamb's blood to save their firstborn in ancient Egypt. Paschal Candles -- Candles give light in darkness. Jesus is seen as "eternal light" showing Christians the way from death to life. It reminds us of Jesus' Resurrection. Palm Branches -- These are used as a symbol of peace. Bread -- Unleavened flat bread is eaten to remember Jesus' sacrifice. Wine -- Red wine is drunk to remember Jesus shedding His blood for humans.	Easter Bunny -- symbol of fertility, due to rapid reproduction habits of the hare and rabbit. Egg -- symbol of new life & rebirth. Now it is a symbol of empty tomb of Jesus Christ. Chicks -- The chicks are born from eggs and are a reminder of spring and Easter. Fireworks -- These are believed to frighten away evil spirits. They also show that out of darkness comes light. The Easter Lily -- The lily was a reminder to the Christians of how Jesus came back to life. The white Easter Lily is used in many Easter services. It is supposed to be a symbol of the purity of the Virgin Mary. Easter Flowers -- Such as daffodil, narcissus and the tulip. Area symbol as they bloom in the spring.

Life Application:

As a Christian on Great Commission:

·        How about you, don't you want to see and feel God's power and presence?

·        Through Baptism and faithful to God, we can ask Him to send us the His Holy Spirit.

·        How do Christian today spread the Good News (Gospel) that Jesus ask us?

o   Through missionaries like St. Patrick, St. Francis Xavier, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Isaac Jogues, Mother Theresa, the Popes, Bishop, Priest, Catechist and other Evangelists.

o   The Corporal Works of Mercy

§  Feed the hungry

§  Give drink to the thirsty

§  Clothe the naked

§  Shelter the homeless

§  Visit the sick

§  Visit the imprisoned

§  Bury the dead

o   Spiritual Works of Mercy

§  Admonish the sinner

§  Instruct the ignorant (This and the next work are extremely pertinent categories today, when so many people are confused by what the Church teaches on contraception, abortion, homosexuality, etc.)

§  Counsel the doubtful

§  Comfort the sorrowful

§  Bear wrongs patiently

§  Forgive all injuries

§  Pray for the living and the dead

Prayer to fulfill the Great Commission
Oh Lord God Almighty Father, even though we are young and inexperience. We ask for the grace and guidance of fulfilling this Great Commission that our Lord Jesus Christ had asked us to do. That whenever and wherever we are, we might evangelize Your truth and love for mankind. Not only through words but most specially through our works and actions by doing the Corporal Works of Mercy and Spiritual Works of Mercy. We pray Lord that doors will be open for us as we spread Your  truth, love and mercy. Open their minds Lord so that logic and reason will enter. Open their eyes Lord so that they could see clearly the truth plainly as you continue to open our eyes to the things unseen. And most specially open their hearts Lord so that Your love and grace can enter into their lives as You continue to heal our hearts and make it clean. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Keep our spirit strong by pouring infinitely your Holy Spirit upon us Lord. Shower us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that we will bear much fruit. Keep us within You and never let us go astray. Keep us strong in our faith just as You keep Your holy apostles and Your saints before us. Keep our minds sharp, alert and aware on the things that affect us and our relation to You. Shower us with your knowledge and wisdom in both eternal and material matters. Give us the virtue of patience and persistence to pursue and continue with our faith. May we continue to seek your face and accept the sacrifice You set before us. These we ask to You Almighty Father who lives and reigns forever, in the name of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, our savior and redeemer, and with union of the Holy Spirit. With the intercession of Mary our mother, Immaculate and Virgin, our Lady of Sorrows. With the intercession of St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Rafael and all the angels and saints in heaven. All glory to You Almighty Father forever and ever.  Amen.
-- by KASK

Prayer for the Help of the Holy Spirit
O God, I thank you for this day and the lessons that we have learned today.  May You send forth your Holy Spirit and stay forever into my heart that I may perceive and understand You more, into my mind that I may remember, and into my soul that I may meditate.  Inspire me to speak and behave with patience, piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct my thoughts and senses from beginning to end. By Your grace, we may live and preach on the Words that You spoke to us today. May your grace ever help and correct me, and may I be strengthened now with love and wisdom from on high, for the sake of your infinite mercy. Amen.

References:

•Holy Bible (New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition)

•Catechism of the Catholic Church

•Wikipedia

•New Advent (www.newadvent.org)

•www.vatican.va

•http://gochristianhelps.com/dbbi/mission1/patgc.htm

CCC