Dear listeners, today we will leave the usual framework of our daily meditations, because here in Jerusalem, where I am currently with Harpa Dei, the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre is celebrated on this day. This church is both the place where Jesus was crucified and also the site of his Resurrection. These two essential places for Christianity – Calvary and the Sepulchre – are at the centre of liturgical celebrations and pilgrimages. Read More
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The gifts of the Holy Spirit (5/7): THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
“What, then, will anyone gain by winning the whole world and forfeiting his life?” (Mt 16:26)
Through the first four gifts (fear of the Lord, piety, fortitude and counsel), the Holy Spirit guides our moral life above all. Through the last three gifts (knowledge, understanding and wisdom) He directly guides our supernatural life, i.e. our God-centred life. Read More
The gifts of the Holy Spirit (4/7): THE GIFT OF COUNSEL
“Speak, O Lord; your servant listens.” (1 Sam 3:9)
The Holy Spirit reminds us of all that Jesus said and did (cf. Jn 14:26). He dwells in us and teaches us what to do in the concrete situations of our lives. Thanks to the gift of counsel, we become able to perceive within us the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit and to distinguish it from other voices. Read More
The gifts of the Holy Spirit (3/7): THE GIFT OF FORTITUDE
Those of you who regularly follow these daily meditations will know that normally the 7th of each month is reserved for a meditation on God the Father. However, from today we are opening a new space called “3 minutes for Abba”, in which we will offer each morning a brief impulse that will help us to know, honour and love the Heavenly Father. Therefore, all the people who wish to deepen their relationship with God the Father, are cordially invited to join the following Telegram channel: https://t.me/threeminutesforAbba Read More
The gifts of the Holy Spirit (2/7): THE GIFT OF PIETY
“The Spirit himself joins with our spirit to bear witness that we are children of God.” (Rom 8:16)
The gift of piety leads us to adhere to God with filial love, not wanting to offend Him in any way.
The spirit of piety touches and enlivens our spiritual life with a new, mild and gentle radiance. Under its influence, our relationship with God and with our neighbour will reach a new level of love. Piety wants to conquer the heart of God, whom it recognises as the most loving Father. Read More
The gifts of the Holy Spirit (1/7): THE GIFT OF FEAR OF THE LORD
Today, on the Feast of Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit.
What an extraordinary change we see in the apostles! They, who were faint-hearted and fearful, become, thanks to the presence of the Holy Spirit, powerful messengers of God’s love; and they fearlessly proclaim the Gospel. The great miracle that each of the listeners – coming from the most diverse corners of the world – could understand the message of the apostles in their own language (cf. Acts 2:6) was a sign for the future. Read More
Meditations on the Holy Spirit (14/14): PATIENCE
Beloved Holy Spirit, with today’s meditation we conclude this preparation for the great feast of Your coming. May Your fruits grow and ripen in us, for in this way we can glorify the One from whom everything comes and bear witness to You before the world! Read More
Meditations on the Holy Spirit (13/14): FAITHFULNESS
Beloved Holy Spirit, You want us to live in faithfulness – and this in a time when infidelity is almost becoming a way of life. You will have a lot of work to do, because many people no longer understand the meaning of fidelity, whether it is in the marital relationship or in promises made or even in religious vows. We often need to learn anew what faithfulness, responsibility, constancy and stability mean. Read More
Meditations on the Holy Spirit (12/14): MODESTY
What ornament, O Holy Spirit, is a modest soul; a soul in which Your fruit, dwells! In her, the disorderly desire is restrained and has come to rest. She does not think for herself constantly and is easily satisfied with everything. She does not want to be the centre of attention, but wants to take the place that You have intended for her. Therefore the precious gift of gratitude and also the fruit of humility is effective in her. Read More
Meditations on the Holy Spirit (11/14): THE GOODNESS
Holy Spirit, with Your gifts that You sink into our souls, You want to bring forth all the fruits that we contemplate in these days before we celebrate the feast of Your coming in the Church. They are true fruits that make our lives bright, they are expressions of Your love and help us to relate to each other as human beings in the incomparable way that Jesus said to His disciples:
“May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. Read More