By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8)
The visual images in the Old Testament from the Prophet Isaiah were meant for a very oppressed people. He had warned the people of Israel of forthcoming judgment and the need to repent of their sins; to turn back to God; and to speak His Word of truth to all people. We would be wise to pay attention to this scripture passage. I believe we are witnessing oppression in our current society!
We are reminded in scripture that the power of the Holy Spirit has been instrumental in God’s plan for salvation since long before Pentecost. We read about the Annunciation and the message to Mary from the Angel Gabriel; the obedience of Zachariah; Mary’s visit to Elizabeth; the prophecy of Simeon; the Baptism in the Jordan River; Jesus fasting and praying for 40 days in the desert with temptation from the devil; and the Resurrection of Jesus. This same Holy Spirit is our help in this moment in time.
The Book of Ezekiel speaks of power in the spirit/breath of the Lord:
“And as He spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard Him speak to me” (Ezek. 2:2).
“And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them” (Ezek. 11:19).
This Old Testament prophecy from Ezekiel is fulfilled in the New Testament in the Acts of the Apostles at Pentecost. God wants us to live in a covenant relationship with Him. This promise is made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit!
We are witnessing a stirring in the spiritual realm, and the manifestation of darkness is very real. But, there is good news; the Holy Spirit is on the move! We should give thanks for this gift every day.“
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
A couple married 60 years joined our adult formation class at the parish this year. They were uncertain about making a weekly commitment, but wanted to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church. I offered them a New American Bible and a Catechism of the Catholic Church, which they had never seen. We began a wonderful journey of faith together, and this beautiful couple never misses a class.
They spent most of their lives in the military; and after retiring, decided they wanted to know more about why they were going to church every Sunday. It is very humbling when two people with so much life experience thank you for teaching them something that has enhanced their lives. All glory to God!
This is my fifth year of facilitating the catechism class for adults, and with COVID-19 it has been a challenge to continue meeting. As a catechist, or in any type of ministry, you can never be concerned with the number of participants involved; you quickly learn that the Holy Spirit provides everything needed when two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus! I have also discovered that no child is too young and no adult is too old to learn more about the blessings of our Catholic faith.
Our lives are enhanced when we grow in knowledge of the faith that we profess at Sunday Mass. The greatest gift you can give to anyone is sharing truth in the teachings of Jesus, because the Word of God stands forever! He will give you a new spirit and renew the world! Amen!