A GOD WHO CHANGES US
“Everything that the Father has is mine.” -Jn 16:15
One of the greatest blessings (and weightiest burdens) of daily life as a priest is praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Several days ago, just before my annual silent retreat, I opened my breviary, as I do five times each day, obedient to my promise of prayer as an ordained cleric. As I read the words of one of the extended Patristic readings from St. Cyril of Alexandria, Fifth Century Church Father and Patriarch of Alexandria, a prominent city in North Africa in the Early Church, I pondered a simple fact.
I marveled to find at that page a holy card left there the year before, right where I had left it, having been moved a year ago by the very same reading. Although the reading was the same, I was undoubtedly different—a year older and perhaps even a year wiser for the wear. Here is an excerpt from what I read:
“Saul [of the Old Testament] was told by the prophet Samuel: The Spirit of the Lord will take possession of you, and you shall be changed into another man. Saint Paul writes: As we behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, that glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit, transforms us all into his own likeness, from one degree of glory to another.
Does this not show that the Spirit changes those in whom he comes to dwell and alters the whole pattern of their lives? With the Spirit within them it is quite natural for people who had been absorbed by the things of this world to become entirely otherworldly in outlook, and for cowards to become men of great courage. There can be no doubt that this is what happened to the disciples. The strength they received from the Spirit enabled them to hold firmly to the love of Christ, facing the violence of their persecutors unafraid. Very true, then, was our Saviour’s saying that it was to their advantage for him to return to heaven: his return was the time appointed for the descent of the Holy Spirit.”
I am struck by the fullness of the Father’s love which makes our transformation possible in the Son and completes it in the gift of the Holy Spirit poured forth into our hearts (see our Second Reading). In the gift of the Trinitarian Life, we are transformed. As we enter the season after Pentecost, we can take stock of the change which has been begun in us and the change which is still underway. How much we all need transformation in love. As it was for the disciples and apostles of the Lord, so may it be for us!
Looking ahead to June 23-26, please pray for the priests of this Archdiocese as we head to St. Mary’s University in Winona for our biannual Presbyteral Assembly, set aside for brotherhood, prayer, recreation and ongoing formation. Although Masses are hard to find in the Twin Cities during that time, Tuesday-Thursday of that week we will have a communal rosary prayed at each of our regularly scheduled Mass times. Please come to church one or more of those days united in concerted prayer for your priests. Thank you in advance for your love, support!
At the tail-end of the Presbyteral Assembly, we are looking forward to our Summer Parish Pilgrimage to Winona, La Crosse and Independence. Even if you can’t join for an overnight, consider driving down for Friday or Saturday.
Glory to God—Father, Son & Holy Spirit!
~Fr. Howe