Newsletter - 28th May 2023
The Holy Spirit will teach you everything
“The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all I have said to you”
(Jn 14:26). …The Spirit makes us see everything in a new way, with the eyes of Jesus. I would put it this way: in the great journey of life, the Spirit teaches us where to begin, what paths to take, and how to walk.
Where to begin The Spirit points out to us the starting point of the spiritual life. What is it? …“If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (v. 15). …This is the “logic” of the Spirit. We tend to think the exact opposite: if we keep the commandments, we will love Jesus. …Yet the Spirit reminds us that without love as our basis, all the rest is in vain. And that love comes not so much from our abilities, but as his gift. He teaches us to love and we have to ask for this gift.
What paths to take …at every crossroads in our lives, the Spirit suggests to us the best path to follow. It is important, then, to be able to distinguish his voice from the voice of the spirit of evil. Both speak to us: we need to learn to distinguish the voice of the Spirit, to be able to recognize that voice and follow its lead, to follow the things he tells us.
How to walk …In every age, the Spirit overturns our preconceived notions and opens us to his newness. …He constantly teaches the vital importance of going forth, impelled to proclaim the Gospel, [and] the importance of our being, not a secure sheepfold, but an open pasture where all can graze on God’s beauty. He teaches us to be an open house without walls of division. The worldly spirit drives us to concentrate on our own problems and interests … That is not the way of the Holy Spirit. He invites to forget ourselves and to open our hearts to all … in this way, he sets us free from ourselves and sends us forth into the world.
From Pope Francis’ Pentecost homily, 2022
Focus of the Week
PENTECOST EVENING
Saturday 27 May 8.00 - 9.30pm
An evening to praise the Lord, welcome the Holy Spirit and an opportunity for baptism in the Holy Spirit and prayers for renewal. The prayer ministry will be run by the UK members of the Community.
The speaker will be Samar Alandary, a member of the Chemin Neuf Community from Lebanon and currently head of Storrington Priory.
PARISH FUN DAY & BBQ
Saturday 24 June
Come and join us for a day of celebration and fun for the whole family.
All are welcome!
Fun Day opens at 3pm – free entry.
BBQ at 6.30pm – Adult £10 Child £5
Tickets available at the Parish Office