Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 22nd, 2022 Fr. David Rosenberg Institute for Spiritual Direction "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” This passage from the Last Supper discourse, where Jesus speaks of his leaving and promises to send the Holy Spirit as our Advocate, helps up prepare for the coming feasts of Ascension and Pentecost. This discourse comes just before the death of Jesus. Then further in John’s Gospel, the giving of the Spirit occurs on Easter Sunday evening: “…he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:21) The words of Jesus are aimed at preparing the disciples for his absence, at least in terms of the way they had known him. We are reminded that Jesus continues to be with us through the divine indwelling within us. Jesus then promises the gift of the Spirit, who will help the church understand everything that Jesus had said. Through the Holy Spirit, Church will never be without a link to Jesus, and everything he said and did. This advocacy involves overcoming the problem of the passage of time, forgetfulness. This is accomplished through the two-fold action of every Eucharistic Prayer: Anamnesis, the lifting of the Last Supper to the present moment, and Epiclesis, the breathing of life into that moment. As Jesus came in the Father's name and spoke the Father's words, so the Spirit comes in Jesus' name and his teachings. It is the Holy Spirit who gives the peace that Jesus promises. It is a deep peace far beyond what the world can offer. The final sentences of today's passage insist that Jesus' leaving is not defeat, but rather full union with the Father. These words echo an important message for us. We need to be reminded that the Trinity dwells within us, giving us the guidance and strength we need. As you reflect on this Gospel, dwell on these important truths. Let the words of Jesus invite you to live in his love and to trust in the Spirit's guidance in whatever trials life brings. Be lifted up through his inspiring words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” In a moment of quietude, celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of Easter Joy. Through the celebration of the Eucharist, etch in your memory and hold dear the blessings of the peace springing forth from this sacred fount of all holiness. download PDF version:
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Interested In Our Spiritual Direction Internship Program?
Are you a person who often finds yourself listening to the concerns of others who choose to confide in you? Are you a person interested in spirituality, prayer, and learning more about God’s ways in your life and in the lives of others? If your answer is yes, it may be that God is calling you to explore the ministry of being a Spiritual Director. This program will prepare you to accompany others on their spiritual journey. The Institute for Spiritual Direction is offering an 18 month internship in Spiritual Direction. The program is open to interested women and men, clergy, deacons, religious and laity. This program is flexible enough to fit into a full time professional’s schedule. Click here for additional details and inquiries... Your participation or personal encouragement of another will be appreciated. |
Date |
Description |
Sept 13 |
ISD Fall 2022 Semester, Classes Resume TSP 401 Christian Spiritual Tradition and TSP 403 Systematic Spiritual Direction Class Location: 202 N Market St DeWitt |
Jun 24 - 26 |
Ignatian 3-Day Weekend This silent Ignatian retreat is built around the elements of the Spiritual Exercises, Lectio Divina and the Examen prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Our location for this retreat will be FaHoLo Conference Center 3000 Mt Hope Road, Grass Lake, MI 49240 (click RETREATS link for details) |
Aug 18 |
Alumni/New Cohort Day A day for ISD Alumni to gather for peer seminar, Mass, and social gathering with dinner to share with the incoming Fall 2022 Cohort 7. |