CFNA FORUM #1

Sister Isabel Bettwy of the Community of God’s Love in Steubenville, Ohio has sent us the inaugural issue of CFNA FORUM, which is the newsletter of the English-speaking Communities of the Catholic Fraternity’s North American Region.  Click here to view it.  Enjoy!

“…rouse one another…”

This past Thursday evening during our Mass at the Holy Family Center, the First Reading included Hebrews 10:24:

We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.

Father didn’t refer to this verse at all in his homily, but it really grabbed my attention that evening, and I’ve been allowing it to steep in my heart for the past few days.

I appreciate the use of the word “rouse.”  The RSV uses “stir up” and the KJV uses “provoke.”

My reflection on this verse has led me first of all to personal repentance.  I am not always open to being ‘roused’ by someone else.  I’ll surely hear the Holy Spirit rousing me when necessary, right?…Wrong!  I’m already doing plenty of loving and good works, so they should be rousing those who are really slacking, right?…Wrong!  Those attitudes indicate an immaturity regarding community relationships.  I need to be more receptive.

I’ve also been led to a thankfulness for those who have the courage to do the rousing.  I appreciate their willingness to respond to the Holy Spirit in this way.  This rousing is a charismatic gift (a type of exhortation, or possibly even prophecy), and I should be grateful that someone is exercising that gift to build up the Body of Christ.  When I have been roused by a sister or brother, I should express my gratitude to them.

If I have been roused to some deeper love or good work, and it has produced good fruit in some tangible way, I should be eager to give testimony.  I need to recall these instances to build my own faith, and share them to help build the faith of others.

This Scripture verse encourages us to “consider HOW to rouse one another…”  Perhaps this is something that could be discussed or taught in a Community setting.

I’d enjoy hearing your ideas on this topic.  Feel free to leave a Comment to this post.
~WB

Litany of the Holy Spirit

Lord, have mercy on us.  Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us; Christ, hear us.  Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Spirit of God, come into our open hearts.
Holy Spirit of the Sovereign Lord, anoint us with your love.
Holy Spirit, Power of the Most High, overshadow us.
Holy Spirit of the Father, inflame us.
Holy Spirit of Christ, enlighten us.
Holy Spirit of the Son, renew us.
Holy Spirit of Holiness, empower us.
Holy Spirit of Glory, favor us.
Holy Spirit of Adoption, endow us.
Holy Spirit of Sonship, enable us.
Holy Spirit of Life, lead us.
Holy Spirit of Truth, embolden us.
Holy Spirit of Fire, commission us.
Holy Spirit of Judgment, encourage us.
Holy Spirit of Prophecy, inspire us.
Holy Spirit, Counselor, teach us.
Holy Spirit of Willingness, hearten us.
Holy Spirit of Grace and Supplication, bless us.

Holy Spirit of Wisdom, bestow upon us this gift.
Holy Spirit of Understanding, bestow upon us this gift.
Holy Spirit of Knowledge, bestow upon us this gift.
Holy Spirit of Counsel, bestow upon us this gift.
Holy Spirit of Piety, bestow upon us this gift.
Holy Spirit of Fortitude, bestow upon us this gift.
Holy Spirit of Fear of the Lord, bestow upon us this gift.

Holy Spirit of Love, grace us with this fruit.
Holy Spirit of Joy, grace us with this fruit.
Holy Spirit of Peace, grace us with this fruit.
Holy Spirit of Patience, grace us with this fruit.
Holy Spirit of Kindness, grace us with this fruit.
Holy Spirit of Generosity, grace us with this fruit.
Holy Spirit of Faithfulness, grace us with this fruit.
Holy Spirit of Meekness, grace us with this fruit.
Holy Spirit of Self-control, grace us with this fruit.

Most loving Father, forgive us.
Divine Word, have mercy on us.
Holy and divine Spirit,
. remain with us until we attain the Beatific Vision.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Send us the divine Consoler.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Fill us with the gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Make the fruit of the Holy Spirit increase within us.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
And enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray:

God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant us by the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ Our Lord,
Amen.