The Apostles Creed - Part 10

Hello all!  Please forgive the two-and-a-half week hiatus.  I had the privilege of visiting our brothers down in Comayagua, Honduras.  I am edified by these brothers and their desire to respond to the challenge of Pope Francis to go out and preach the good news to the poor.  I encountered many people who, while poor in the things of this world, are rich in the things of God; namely, humility, long-suffering, generosity and joy!  Please remember them in your prayer.

This week we continue reflecting on the following words from the Creed:

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
 
In the Church you will find God’s seven great gifts to you. God has given the Church seven ways by which you can personally interact with the risen Lord Jesus and be filled to overflowing with his resurrection-life. In each one of these seven great gifts, we call them ‘sacraments’, the living and true God, Jesus of Nazareth, reaches out and touches you in some way or another. In baptism, he touches you with oil and water and prayer and by that gesture fills you with an initial influx of his resurrection-life. In the eucharist, he reaches out and feeds you with heavenly food, and this heavenly food nourishes and grows and revitalizes the resurrection life within you. In confirmation, he reaches out and seals you with oil and prayer and by that gesture fortifies the resurrection-life within you and makes you ready to give testimony before the world.

Next week we will continue reflecting on "God's seven great gifts" to us.  Until then, God bless you all!

Fr. Isaac Spinharney, CFR
St. Joseph Friary
Harlem, NY