|
(Arlene
Apone is the Director of the Detroit Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Center, and Associate Liaison for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to
Adam Cardinal Maida in the Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan.)
Some 45 years
ago, heaven kissed the earth with a surprise! This experience of
the Holy Spirit of God began transforming all those who received and
responded to it! This embrace continues touching the world today.
In 1962, we
first saw the appointment of Pope John XXIII who became the
visionary whose paternal love called forth the Vatican II Council
and a welcome breath of the Holy Spirit into the Church. Centuries
of irrelevant cultural practices were laid to rest and the relevant
and ever-present Holy Spirit was set free. The new wind entered the
windows and with it came refreshment, truth, freedom, and
empowerment.
While the
princes of the church were hard at work identifying the foundations
of the Church ad intra and ad extra, the Holy Spirit
began to surprise people with an experience of His love, lordship,
empowering gifts, and presence in their lives. One is reminded of 1
Cor. 2:13: The Spirit teaches not as philosophy is taught, but the
Spirit teaches spiritual things spiritually. This experience of God
began to transform the church from within at the roots of faith,
hope, and love. We knew that we knew that we knew, and began to
follow Jesus as living Lord!
There were
those who had a hard time and resisted anything new that brought
change. If only they had understood that what appeared new had only
been restored, and the cultural baggage was released. What were
emphasized as important was the Body of Christ and the
inter-relationships of the Family of God.
As the
foundations were restored, the body set to work to grow spiritually
and individuals to be restored personally. Our lives were turned
right side up. We began to experience our true selves and the gifts
entrusted to us to build up the church. We began to love and serve
one another from the heart. We formed small communities where this
new life could be nurtured and grow strong, while remaining grounded
in our larger parishes. We became the living stones building a
house where God lived in the Spirit! Through the years the Lord
provided all that was needed. Many formational opportunities were
given to us for continued growth and evangelization.
We still have a
long road before us as people of every age need the Holy Spirit, and
we are to be the witnesses of this life lived in the Holy Spirit.
The Lord called us 2000 years ago to witness to this and is still
calling us to it!
“We teach
spiritual things spiritually.” Our God is not a theory or a
philosophy but three living persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Each Divine Person knows and loves us and wants us to know and love
each One in return. “Love for Love.” Our God is an experience!
The Holy Spirit
chose Leon-Joseph Cardinal Suenens as the architect for Vatican II.
In his book, “Memories and Hopes,” he has a chapter entitled, “A
Prayer for the Future.” In it he prays that we become the future
that he hoped for. We are attached to the root and form a sound
foundation for all those to follow. Let us examine ourselves in
light of our call and open ourselves to the work set before us.
Listed below
are some opportunities to fulfill those dreams and plans and to
accomplish our part in this significant time in history. These have
been fruitfully used over the years and can be offered as spiritual
growth opportunities for the brothers and sisters in our parishes:
1. Life in the Spirit Seminars - An introduction to
living Life in the Spirit, learning what the charisms are and
training for them. One such seminar is the Wind and Fire Series.
2.
A Pilgrim’s Way – A guided searching of the Scriptures,
together with an interaction of prayerful study and reflection with
others that builds personal intimacy with the Lord as well as a
deepened sense of community.
3.
Shepherd Groups – Years 1, 2, and 3, for Inner Healing.
4.
Prayer Groups – Leadership Training
5. Facilitator training is
available for all of the above.
In this archdiocese, would that all 300
parishes have the above formation in the Holy Spirit for God’s
people. Entrusted with this life in Christ, we are called, chosen,
and gifted to bring this truth and life to our whole church, our
whole world.
Let us begin
again with clearer vision and less fear to do the work the Father
has set before us through, with, and in Jesus, as empowered by the
Holy Spirit.
Call the DCCR for information and materials
on the above-mentioned opportunities for learning about and growing
in Living Life in the Holy Spirit.
February 16 – 18
“40
Years of Amazing Grace” Conference
Detroit, Michigan |
