Fr. Simon brought the heat today in Father Simon Says! It’s all about the Holy Spirit: how we discern His work in our lives and why it’s NOT just about feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Word Moment: Charismata, Diakonia, and Haris
Fr. Simon explained some Greek words from yesterday’s second reading (yep, he’s got a thing for languages):
Charismata: A gift freely given by God (think of it as a divine “bonus payment” 🪙). It’s for serving others, not hoarding.
Diakonia: Service, as in table-waiting: a humbling and servant-hearted type of work.
Haris: Grace, pure and simple. It’s where the gifts start.
Takeaway? These gifts aren’t for us to show off; they’re tools for service and the common good.
Pentecost🔥
Did the apostles receive the Holy Spirit twice?
Easter Sunday Night: Jesus breathed on the apostles and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This was the indwelling of the Spirit.
Pentecost: Cue the wind and fire emoji 🔥💨. This was the outward manifestation of the Holy Spirit, empowering the apostles to preach, serve, and bless the world.
Translation: We Catholics don’t just stop at having the Holy Spirit “within us” from Baptism. At Confirmation, we’re given the grace to manifest the Spirit out into the world. Service mode: activated.
3. Misusing the Gifts: It’s Not About the Goosebumps
Father explained how some people misunderstand spiritual gifts:
Some Pentecostal groups in the early 20th century believed you HAD to speak in tongues to prove you had the Holy Spirit. But Fr. Simon shut that down. Spiritual gifts aren’t about proving anything or feeling good about yourself.
He hilariously joked about the stereotype of charismatics “floating two feet off the ground with fire coming out of their ears.” 😂 Nope, that’s not the goal.
The real goal? Serving others. Your gifts, whether it’s teaching, healing, prophesying, or simply being an epic casserole-bringer for parish potlucks, are for the good of the Church and the world.
4. How’s the Holy Spirit Showing Up in YOUR Life?
Fr. Simon left us with a soul-check moment:
💡 How is the Holy Spirit manifesting in your life for the good of others?
Are you using your charisms to serve your parish, your family, or your job?
Are you actively seeking to be the hands and feet of Christ?
TL;DR Takeaway
The Holy Spirit isn’t just a “feel-good” moment or an emotional experience. He’s alive and active in you, and His gifts (your charisms!) are meant for serving others. So, ask yourself: What has God given me to share? Then go out there and be the outward manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
✨ Bonus challenge: Pray today about your charism! Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in using it for the common good. And don’t forget: service isn’t glamorous, but it’s how we bring heaven to earth. 🔥
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