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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, July 16th, 2005 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

Hearing God Speak to Us, The Work of the Holy Spirit

Sunday, July 17, 2005
Wisdom 12:13,16-19
Psalm 86:5-6,9-10,15-16
Romans 8:26-27
Matthew 13:24-43

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The Spirit helps us in our weakness. (Romans 8:26)

Have you ever noticed how ready we are to take up one form of prayer—petition—and how uncomfortable we tend to feel about other forms, especially the kind of prayer mentioned in today’s second reading? We tend to be very good at asking God for his help or healing, for an end to war and abortion, or for grace and protection for family members. There seems to be no end to our needs, and no lack of confidence that God will hear and answer us.

Of course, this is a very good way to pray, and God loves to pour out his blessings in response to our petitions. But there is another form of prayer that is just as valuable and just as necessary to our spiritual lives: the prayer that listens for God’s wisdom and revelation. In today’s gospel, Jesus uses parables and analogies to teach the crowd how to understand the kingdom of God. And behind every parable and story Jesus told was his desire to “proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 13:35).

Jesus isn’t done unveiling mysteries to his people. Through his Holy Spirit, he wants to unfold the truths of the gospel to each one of us, just as he has done for countless believers throughout the centuries. He wants to help us understand the things of God so that we can take hold of his kingdom more fully each day and bear fruit in this world.

At Mass, let the Holy Spirit come to the aid of your spiritual weakness. As you listen to the Scripture readings, ask the Spirit to show you God’s kingdom in a new way. During Communion, tell him that you’re ready to listen to whatever he puts on your heart (Matthew 13:43). Then, watch and see how the Spirit works.

“Come, Holy Spirit, and guide my prayer. You know the mind of God. You know the deepest desires of his heart. By your grace, open my eyes to these mysteries. Help me see Jesus more clearly.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

  1. In the first reading, we hear that “those who are just must be kind”. How does the cross reflect God’s justice and kindness toward you? In what way is there a conflict between justice and kindness in your life?

     
  2. In the responsorial psalm, we read that God is “forgiving” and “merciful”. We know that God forgives us when we confess our sins? How ready are you to forgive those who have wronged you. Why do we have a tendency to demand justice from God for others and but mercy for ourselves? Why is this contrary to the Gospel?

     
  3. In the letter to the Romans, St. Paul tells us that the “Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness.” How often during the day do you turn to the Holy Spirit, present in each baptized Catholic, to seek help and guidance? What steps can you take to change that?

     
  4. In the Gospel, we see that the smallest of actions (e.g., the sowing of a “mustard seed” and the mixing of “yeast” with flour) can have a very large effect. What small steps is the Lord asking you to take in your life that could have a major impact?

     
  5. The meditation speak of the type of the prayer “that listens for God’s wisdom and revelation.” In your times of prayer or at Mass, how can you open yourself more to hear God, through the Holy Spirit, speak to you?

    

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