The church in the world is facing so many different issues. In fact, it has always faced many challenges since the early Christian community. The disciples like us were in fear, feeling abandoned, feeling lost with where do they go with the message of Jesus? It was so difficult and so isolating. An experience of not knowing what the answers are or what the solution is?
I read across many news media about the suffering church in different parts of the world. Indonesia mirrors the COID-19 that many countries are facing. Terrorists are also making it difficult for the government in Jakarta as it is in many parts of the world. The refugees who need care, food or economic resources which are so low at this time. I pray for the refugees that are in various countries, such as in Bangladesh. The people out of work in Australia or India, on the bread line. A father in India was walking the road with his son on his shoulder, 1,300 miles to go home as he has no money to pay for bus fare. How does the church respond! Pope Francis called for prayers. In the time of the COID-19 Virus and for the 3.7 million children who are suffering from hunger! How does the Holy Spirit work through with the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord?
We are searching for what the Holy Spirit is asking of me at this time. What gifts am I using to make the world a creative, peaceful place? How am I called to use the gifts of the Spirit in me at this moment?
None of us has all the resources to change the world, but we do have a uniqueness to contribute to the running stream of God’s love through the church, through the world, through God Presence in many countries especially in time your own.
Let us pray with gratitude for all the gifts we have received so that the gift of joy will grow in our lives. Loving God, we trust that you will fill our hearts with the joy of your presence so that we will go beyond fear and grow in awareness and appreciation of all that is freely given.
HAPPY PENTECOST TO YOU ALL!!!!!
USE YOUR GIFTS FOR CHRIST TO PREPARE FOR WHAT GOD MAY BE ASKING OF YOU.
Fr Kevin was professed a Passionist on 9th January 1970 and ordained a priest at St Mary’s Geelong on 29th November 1975. He has worked in seven countries – Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India, Philippines and the Solomon Islands, giving retreats and workshops to Religious and Priests.