Lenten Meditations: Wednesday 14 March

Mar 14, 2018 by Jill

FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF LENT – Saint Euschemon the Confessor, Bishop, 842

LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: Saint Euschemon the Confessor, Bishop of Lampsacus, lived in Asia Minor on the coastal region of the Dardanelles peninsula, and was known for his virtuous and ascetic life. He suffered for the holy icons under the iconoclast emperor Theophilus (829-842), and having been imprisoned, he was sent into exile and died.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Here we encounter the apostle Paul dealing with problems occurring during the meetings of the local church in Corinth. While many who are leaders in churches have to deal with a variety of issues from Apostolic Teaching to zero emission charging stations, Paul is addressing matters which is disrupting the common life of the local church. This important issue had to do with the use of spiritual gifts. In many respect Paul was dealing with an issue that would constantly challenge clergy and laity in every age of the church. Then like now, there were also some obvious cases of abusing spiritual gifts, and possibly even some counterfeit spiritual gifts that were throwing the church into confusion.

Paul’s challenge is not new to anyone who has wrestled with this in their own spirit or their own faith community.  Despite the diversity of all these gifts, it is imperative that people of faith grasp that it is one and the same Holy Spirit who works or energizes all of the gifts. It is God the Holy Spirit — who accomplishes the results of the spiritual gifts that are manifested by we believers. Sometimes we forget that and think it is by virtue of our own’ powers and this is where we find the church in trouble. We are instruments that create the music. We are not the music!

PRAYER OF THE DAY: Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

LENTEN DISCIPLINE –Consider the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit today and go through them to assess how attentive you are to the gifts within you . If you are unfamiliar with them, go to https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/scripture-and-tradition/catholic-basics/catholic-beliefs-and-practices/fruits-of-the-holy-spirit

ANCIENT WORDS/PRESENT GRACE: Enrich your soul in the great goodness of God: The Father is your table, the Son is your food, and the Holy Spirit waits on you and then makes His dwelling in you. — St. Catherine of Siena

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