Thursday, May 17, 2012

Pat Arensberg: Many gifts, one Spirit


“The Church’s mission is not an addition to that of Christ and the Holy Spirit, but is its sacrament: in her whole being and in all her members, the Church is sent to announce, bear witness, make present, and spread the mystery of the communion of the Holy Trinity.” -CCC #738
The whole notion that I can love spirituality but not religion really makes no sense to us as Catholics. Jesus left his Spirit with the group of followers. When he did they became the Church, the Body of Christ. This Body of Christ is vivified by the Holy Spirit and speaks with divine authority because of that. This Spirit not only vivifies the Church as a whole, he also is poured into my heart. It is the Spirit who teaches us how to pray (Romans 8:26) and teaches us what to say to witness to the Gospel (Matthew 10:20). It is the Holy Spirit who brings the many varied gifts to the hearts of us believers. As St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?...Do all speak in tongues?” (1 Corinthians 12:28-31)
The Holy Spirit does not bring the same gift to each person, but the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to all. That gift will manifest itself in each person differently FOR THE GOOD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH. The gifts given are not given for us individually, but are given to build up the Body of Christ. Some of us teach, some of us are administrators, some of us heal, and some of us speak in tongues. When one of these gifts is manifested it is meant to build up the Church.

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