PENTECOST & Checking in with Jesus Daily!

For those who missed out last Sat, here's a summary (make sure to read, or at least scroll, to the end for this week's "Homework"):

Watch these 2 clips first:

1. Reading of Pentecost account
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOm1DMZJITs

2. Short teaching by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa abt Pentecost
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFZ1N9gbSHY

The first video evokes the feel of dramatic events which took place at Pentecost. This is how we usually view Pentecost... tongues of fire, people speaking in tongues, mega rally and the radical conversion of 3000.. all the big stuff, the drama stuff.

In the second video, Father brought everyone to the core event of Pentecost. Look deeper behind the 'wow' events, and we see that Pentecost is really about being 'filled with the love of God' in an intimate way.
The apostles were with Jesus every day for 3 years, seeing His miracles firsthand, having private sessions with Him away from the public, sharing meals with Him.

But only after Pentecost, after experiencing His love intimately (through the infilling of the Spirit), did they find the courage to live their mission.

They were transformed by the love of God, much like many of us when we experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, through YISS or other retreats.

Now, we've learned what is the Pentecost experience about, let's look back again... What happened before Pentecost? How did the disciples prepare for this great event?

1. They waited
- Acts 1:4 "... Wait for the gift my Father promised..."
- Most people don't like to wait, esp in today's world where we seem to be rushing from one thing to the next.
- We tend to want to do things our way, instead of consulting God, "waiting" upon God to show us the right way.
- Sunday's first reading is a great example, Acts 15:28 says "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." --> illustrates beautifully the partnership between man and God, which is still very much vital in today's context as well.

2. They prayed
- "They joined together constantly in prayer" - Read Acts 1:12-14
- Most of us experienced Pentecost in a dramatic way, through the praying over, resting in the Spirit, manifestations of joy, repentance, etc.
- The First Pentecost happened through prayer
- The "New Pentecost" in Duquesne University, 1967 (which is generally regarded as the birth of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal) also happened in prayer, while some young men & women were in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

We too can experience Pentecost, the infilling of God's love thru His Holy Spirit, in our times of prayer. Go before the Blessed Sacrament in humble adoration, for it is literally the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Why do I say it is the heart of Jesus?

Read here about the Eucharistic Miracle at Lanciano, Italy

http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/lanciano.html

http://www.miraclerosarymission.org/lanciano.html

http://www.zenit.org/article-12933?l=english

It's truly a wonder.. Jesus loves us so much that when He ascended into Heaven, He left His heart behind on earth. Every time we celebrate mass or go for adoration, we behold the very heart of our Saviour, our Lord and our God.

Just bring urself before Him and spend some time with Him..
You don't really have to do anything in there except to "Son-bathe", but here's a few tips to help u be still:
http://www.saintpetercatholic.com/QA_Holy_Hour_Activities.html

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Finally, DO Join us with some Homework!! ;)

1. "Check in" with Jesus everyday. Read here 2 see what we mean:
http://www.fathershands.com/jim/

2. Visit Jesus in the adoration room at least once this week. Spend at least 30 minutes with Him, but if u can, go for the full Holy Hour.

If you don't do this "homework", God will NOT strike you down with lightning. But if you do, wouldn't it be great knowing that you made Jesus happy by being in His company? Plus, you'll get a nice "Son tan" =)

Have a great week, everyone!

Smile, Jesus Loves You!