“The Holy Spirit, […] made his appearance on the great day, and I assure you that not a day has passed since then, and I could even say an hour, that he has not imparted ineffable spiritual experiences to that person whom he deigned to choose and sanctify. I did not count in vain on his powerful help for my whole retreat was made in a spirit of trust. I feel renewed and am in a spiritual state that I cannot put into words.” (Letter to Fr. Tempier, October 20, 1832 – 437: VIII in Oblate Writings)
Eugene is speaking of his being consecrated as the Bishop of Icosia and gives evidence to the Holy Spirit being so much a part of it all. Today as I turn 65 I reflect on the Holy Spirit in my life – that is cause for celebration – there is much and great joy in being 65 years old – simply in ‘being’ 65.
I reflect on how it is the Holy Spirit – that is the very spirit of God, who seems to lead me, guide me – mostly in and through others. All that I receive and learn from Eugene, from many of my Oblate brothers and sisters, from my family, from those I minister with and too – all of them agents of the Holy Spirit.
Recently at daily Mass there were two priests – one presiding and the other in the pews. During the short homily I found myself thinking of the homilist and how it was pure gift of self, who he was/is in God that he would preach not just to us, but to his brother in the pew – sharing who he was and being comfortable with the gift that he is with and as part of the community. Looking at myself I realised that I was finally comfortable in my own skin, with my own spirituality, with myself. Most surely that was a gift of the Holy Spirit for I had let go of much and emptied myself to make room for just such a gift.
Today I am 65 and I celebrate. Perhaps this is just one more of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I give thanks for one of the greatest gifts I could receive.
Happy Birthday Eleanor!
LikeLike
Thanks David – you and Marie soak up some of that sun for me. Love to you both.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday, Eleanor…This was a really insightful morning reflection! Chris.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday, Eleanor!! Thank you for being you and for your friendship.
LikeLike
Belated wishes to you Eleanor. Continued gifts of the Holy Spirit to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person