Furthermore…

At our Couples for Christ prayer meeting yesterday the main topic for consideration was Pentecost Sunday and the Holy Spirit. Some discussion was had on the gift of speaking in tongues, but it turned to be an area understood differently within the group.
I like to think that the gift was that of understanding of tongues, bestowed on the many folks present with different native tongues. The apostles could have been speaking normally, but with the help of the Holy Spirit they were understood by the many.
Some of the people in our group were familiar with instances of “speaking in tongues” in various charismatic groups, unintelligible ululation, squeaking and the such. There seemed to be a bit of suspicion of, and discomfort with, such manifestations, although not, of course, any suggestion that there might be deception involved.

Youth Minister to uncomprehending teens:

“Think of the Holy Spirit as the Heavenly DJ for your spiritual life!”

Our Wednesday group that discusses Sunday Mass Readin got together last Friday to watch The Scarlet and the Black, a movie about the situation in Rome and the Vatican while it was occupied by the troops of the Third Reich, and the true story of Msgr. Flaherty who masterminded elaborate operations to thwart the Nazis, including providing safe havens for escaped prisoners of war and getting food and clothing to the oppressed poor. I enjoyed it a lot and recommend it as the basis for stimulating church gatherings and discussion groups.
The prior week one of our group brought a DVD about the claims that the Church hierarchy hasn’t been honest about the ’secrets’ of Fatima. The lady that brought the DVD keeps receiving mailings from the Fatima group and is feeling a little conflicted about the accusations and controversial statements included in these mailing, and was kind of hoping that someone or others in our group could clarify all the issues for her, but I’m afraid she went away still as uncertain as ever about the correct understanding of some of the more unsettling claims.

Levitating saint, to troubled monks gathered around beneath him:

“I’m sorry. I don’t know how I got up here, and I don’t know how to get down!”

In a recent prayer group meeting as we waited during a silent time for the Holy Spirit to give us something to share, one of us spoke out with the reminder that through Jesus we can receive whatever we want from the Father. First I thought of anyone’s ordinary wants, such as a new car, a Rolex watch, a promotion or raise, and such. Then I got to thinking about another way of understanding want, as a lack, more specifically, a lack of what God intends for us. Such a usage would be “My book is ready for publication, all it wants is a final proof reading.” So God will give us anything we want when we ask in Jesus’ name, that is, anything we lack that will bring us closer to Him.”

Lady coming to church on a clear day carrying an umbrella, to friend:

“No, I don’t expect it to rain, but I’m expecting showers of blessings!”

The night reflection:

Moonlight on shimmering water

Is no more again.

Spokesman for group of old people to crying teen age girl:

“We know you are sad because your boyfriend didn’t call last night, but we don’t think our Grief Support Ministry would be much help with that!”

I was at a Couples for Christ prayer meeting today. It went very well. We sang a number of songs, accompanied by two guitars. I knew and enjoyed singing about half of them. I tried to chime in on the rest, a bit here and a bit there. A local priest was expected to drop in, but didn’t make it, at least by the time I left. For our discussion we considered the Readings for the upcoming Sunday, the 7th Sunday of Easter. Our host had had them printed up for us and passed out copies. Included was a commentary by John Henry Cardinal Newman, full of insight. Summer approaching, the leaders and the more active members broached plans for vacation absences and traveling to Illinois for a major conference. After closing with prayer, we enjoyed a buffet lunch put together by the host and some of the attendees, and some good conversation.

Politician:

“I approach the abortion question in a rational manner, like, more people voted for me than for your side.”