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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, June 3rd, 2006 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

Saying Yes to Work of the Holy Spirit,

Allowing Him to Change and Transform You

Sunday, June 4, 2006
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34
1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13 (or Galatians 5:16-25)
John 20:19-23 (or John 15:26-27; 16:12-15)

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

Picture the apostles gathered together, not knowing exactly what they are waiting for. Imagine their awe as they hear a sudden rush of wind and see tongues of fire. Sense their joy as the Holy Spirit overwhelms them and empowers them to praise and adore the Lord like never before. This is the birthday of the church. And what a blowout!

Let’s not forget that this is only one chapter in the Book of Acts and the very beginning of the church’s life. There are still lots more “fireworks” to come—like Peter’s conversion of three thousand, Paul’s conversion at Damascus, and scores of other healings and miracles. And, as you might expect, a fair share of hardships lie ahead as well. For example, Paul will face shipwrecks, imprisonments, and even humiliation at the hands of some of his closest Jewish friends.

Acts has its fair share of stories of imprisonments, controversies, and persecutions, but it’s important to keep these stories in perspective. The miracles far outweigh the struggles. In fact, they make the struggles that much more valuable. The apostles’ trials remind us that the more Jesus fills us with his power, the more he asks us to share in his cross. It’s not a question of if we will be tested but of when. And whenever we are tested, it’s not a question of if Jesus will help us but of how.

On this great feast day, let’s thank the Holy Spirit for all he has done, but let’s also remember that he is far from finished! Just as the apostles did, we need to entrust ourselves to his guidance every day. We needn’t be afraid of hard times, for God will use them to shape us into saints. We really should rejoice today, because the Holy Spirit who lives in us loves to pour the power and victory of Christ into us day after day after day!

“Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with your joy as you filled the apostles. Change my heart, and transform me into a true reflection of your love.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. The account in Acts 2 describes the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. We too have received that same Spirit. In what ways can you fan into flame in a deeper way the Holy Spirit who was given to you at your Baptism and Confirmation?
2. The response to the Responsorial Psalm is “Lord, send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.” The sending of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles is the beginning of the new era: the Church is founded and Christ's Holy Spirit is given. In what ways has the Holy Spirit called you to participate in the mission of the Church to “renew the face of the earth”?
3. Hand in hand with this mission is the intimate and personal presence of the Holy Spirit making new men out of the apostles, who are transformed in their very being. What work of transformation, what “spiritual gifts” do you want the Holy Spirit to give you?
4. In the second reading, we learn that the Holy Spirit is given to each one of us for some benefit of the whole Church. Try to help one another in your group to discern the gifts God has given you individually, and as a group. How can these gifts be shared more fully with others to build the Church?
5. In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells the Apostles, “As the Father has sent me so I send you” and then he “breathed” the Holy Spirit on them. As a Catholic man, in what ways do you believe that Jesus has also sent you forth to reach out to others for him?
6. The Holy Spirit moves hearts to pray and come into the presence of God. What steps could you take to strengthen your times of daily prayer and reading of Scriptures to allow a greater work of the Spirit in your life?
7. At the end of your men’s group meeting, say together the prayer at the end of the meditation and continue to pray that prayer every day between now and your next meeting. Share the fruits of that prayer at the next meeting.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen