Dear Friends in Christ,
April began so beautifully as we celebrated the most high holy day of Easter. As we moved through April, we have seen great fluctuations in the temperature, being in the 70’s one day and then receiving a freeze warning the next. We hear the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” April is also known for more than the weather and the flowers. The month of April in the Catholic Church is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says of the Holy Spirit, “The One whom the Father has sent into our hearts, the Spirit of his Son, is truly God. Consubstantial with the Father and the Son, the Spirit is inseparable from them, in both the inner life of the Trinity and his gift of love for the world. In adoring the Holy Trinity, life-giving, consubstantial, and indivisible, the Church’s faith also professes the distinction of persons. When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his Breath. In their joint mission, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct but inseparable. To be sure, it is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals him.” (CC, 689). It is a great secret of the spiritual life to pray to the Father, through the Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. We do not call upon the Spirit enough. The Holy Spirit will inspire us, encourage us, cajole us and even chastise our souls. The Holy Spirit is fresh air of love and beauty that radiates throughout the soul. We have the potential for such holiness with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit given to us at our baptism and strengthened in confirmation. Saint Paul of the Cross wrote, “You could not love Jesus if you did not possess the living source of holy and pure love, namely, the Holy Spirit. Our divine Redeemer said, ‘He that believeth in Me, out of his belly shall flow streams of living water.’ (John 7:38.) This He said of the spirit which they should receive who believed in Him. Therefore, when God enkindles in you the flames of divine love, holy, pure, and without stain, let yourself disappear in the infinite Good, and, like an infant, sleep the sleep of faith and love in the bosom of your heavenly Spouse.” May the Holy Spirit ever refresh and renew the very core of our being. May God find us receptive and open to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit!
God bless you,
Father Szolack