Come Holy Spirit Series; Week 6 Gift of Piety.

 Come Holy Spirit Series

Come Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit Series: Week 6 — The Gift of Piety

“The Grace of Tender Reverence”

Welcome back to Come Holy Spirit, our weekly walk through the gifts given at Confirmation—gifts perhaps long forgotten or underused, but now being dusted off, cherished, and embraced again.

This week, we pause with a gift that is often misunderstood—sometimes seen as stiff, formal, or even overly sentimental.

But true Piety—the kind the Holy Spirit gives—is anything but cold.

It is warm. Intimate. Gentle.
It is the gift that makes us feel like beloved children of the Father, not hired hands.
It is the grace to lean in rather than perform.

 

What Does the Catechism Say About Piety?

Q. 389. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
They are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
(CCC 1830–1831)

 

What Is the Gift of Piety?

Piety is not about being “pious” in the modern sense of the word.
It is not about folded hands, flowery words, or acting overly holy.

The Gift of Piety is about relationship.
It is about having a deep, filial love for God—where we approach Him not out of fear or duty, but out of trust and devotion as children.

Piety is what lets us:

• Feel at home in God's presence.
• Treat others with compassion, as brothers and sisters.
• Approach prayer, sacraments, and service with love, not obligation.
• See God not as a distant ruler, but as a tender Father.

 

Why Do We Need Piety?

Because faith without relationship becomes a burden.
Because worship without love becomes ritual.
Because service without compassion becomes dry.

Piety rekindles:

• Our affection for God and His Church.
• Our desire to pray, not just out of duty, but desire.
• Our ability to love God as a child who knows they are safe.

Piety does not make you soft—it makes you rooted.

 

How Can We Renew and Use the Gift of Piety?

1. Speak to God as Father.
Not formally, but affectionately. Even: “Dad, I need You today.”

2. Spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist.
Sit with Him. You don’t need to say much. Piety thrives in presence.

3. Let prayer be simple.
Say a short heartfelt prayer in your own words before meals, tasks, or bed.

4. Serve with warmth.
Let reverence for God flow out into kindness toward others.

5. Let yourself be loved.
Piety grows when we receive the Father’s love, not just when we give ours.

 

Scriptures That Reflect the Gift of Piety

“You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’”
— Romans 8:15

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
— Psalm 103:13

“Let us love one another, for love is of God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
— 1 John 4:7

 

Reflection Question for the Week

Am I living my relationship with God more as a servant or as a child?
How can I let the Holy Spirit draw me deeper into loving trust?

 

Daily Soul Moments: Piety Week

• Sunday: Rest in God’s love today. No striving. Just receive.
• Monday: Call God “Father” or “Abba” in prayer. Speak from the heart.
• Tuesday: Do a small act of kindness toward someone, seeing Christ in them.
• Wednesday: Visit the Blessed Sacrament—even for just five minutes.
• Thursday: Thank God for one way He’s cared for you like a Father this week.
• Friday: Let your prayer be simple today: “I love You.”
• Saturday: Reflect: Has anything changed in the way you relate to God this week?

 

Closing Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Gift of Piety,
Teach me to love the Father with trust and tenderness.
Let me come to Him not as a stranger, but as a beloved child.
Make my prayer simple and true, my worship joyful, and my service compassionate.
Let reverence root me—and love guide me.

 

 

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphons: Monday 6th Week of Easter- St Philip Neri

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon.

He Is Not Here: He Is Risen

Entering the Joy – Feast of St Philip Neri

Entrance Antiphon:
“The love of God has been poured into our hearts by his Spirit living in us, alleluia.”
(Romans 5:5)

 

A Heart Overflowing with Joy

Today’s antiphon is like a gentle fountain. It is a reminder that the source of love is not us, but God, and it has been poured, not dripped, into our hearts.  “…by His Spirit living in us.”  

This is a fitting antiphon for St Philip Neri, the “Apostle of Joy.”  His spirituality was marked by laughter, lightness of heart, and deep intimacy with God. His joy was not shallow, rather it was the fruit of the Spirit living within him, pouring in God’s love until it spilled out into his words, his welcome, his service.

Spirituality in Action

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Sit in stillness for a moment and pray: “Holy Spirit, pour the love of God into my heart again today.”

• Be a channel of that love — through warmth, kindness, humour, or gentleness.

• Smile at someone today — not out of politeness, but as a small echo of God’s joy.

That same Spirit lives in us, too. 

Short Prayer

Spirit of God,
Pour the love of the Father into my heart. 
Fill me like You filled St Philip with joy that lifts others,

with love that welcomes all. 

Let me live today with a heart wide open.

Alleluia. Amen.

  

Collect Series 

The Mass: Collect series Icon

COLLECT

Grant, Almighty God,

that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy,

which we keep in honour of the Risen Lord,

And that what we relive in remembrance,

we may always hold to in what we do.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:
1. What is the Pascal Mystery and what does it mean to me?

2.How am I celebrating Eastertide with heartfelt devotion

3. How will I celebrate these Easter days of joy this coming week?

4. What am I reliving in remembrance during Eastertide and what effect will it make in my life this coming week?

5. Why do I need to hold to what I am reliving in remembrance

6. What does the Risen Lord mean in my life and how will honour Him this coming week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION.

 Today’s Gospel continues as part of the conversation Jesus had with His disciples on the night of the last Supper. This point should not be overlooked because even before all the suffering that Jesus would endure out of love for humanity and His mission to save and redeem it, even before His cruel death and glorious Resurrection, Jesus was promising His disciples
( and us) the Holy Spirit- the Advocate who ‘’the Father will send in My name’’.

Stop and think about it for a moment.

 

In other words, Jesus knew that He was to leave this earth (not only by His death) but He would rise again and ascend to Heaven at the appointed time.  Jesus is really showing how much love that He has for humanity by providing the Holy Spirit who ‘’will teach us everything and remind you of all I have said to you’’.  He is not leaving us alone.

 

Often in parishes, a group of people are involved in the same activity ( group) for many years. Then comes the time when the core group/members leave.  There is usually an unplanned departure from a parish perspective and the parishioners feel the hole. Sometimes it is felt immediately and other times not for a while, when all of a sudden something that was done unobtrusively needs to be done and the question is asked’’ who does that?’’  The answer is usually that has done the task for many years and is no longer doing it- moved parish, retired after many years of service, sick or just plain fed up/unappreciated.

 

Not so with Jesus. He prepares the disciples before He dies, before He rises, before He ascends into Heaven. He not only prepares them but provides ‘’a replacement’’- not that the Holy Spirit is a replacement but God the Holy Spirit ‘’will teach us everything and remind us of all I have said to you’’. 

 

The other aspect of this Gospel is the fact that Jesus gives the disciples ( and us) peace- not the peace of the world- but His own peace as a gift.   Then after giving Him ( and us) His gift of peace,  He tells them not to be troubled or afraid when He leaves because when He leaves, He will be able to send the Holy Spirit.

 

PRACTICAL APPLICATION.

It is a fortnight to Pentecost where we have the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit afresh.

Depending on when Ascension of the Lord is in your country ( some Thursdays) and in Australia at least, it falls on a Sunday.

1.Why not check your calendar and count 9 days before Pentecost.

2. Attend daily Mass asking for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the world, your parish, your own needs.

3. If you are not able to get to Mass every day, then pray for that fresh outpouring.

4. If are able, why not spend some time before Blessed Sacrament- either in exposition ( if your parish has exposition) or before the Tabernacle. Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Desire it- want it- pray for it with expectation and hope and knowing with God’s generous love that He will hear our prayers.

5. Choose a hymn to the Holy Spirit and sing it each day.  Here are a couple of hymns which may help you. If you are not a singer, then use some Spirit Songs in your meditations.

 

1.Shine Jesus shine: https://youtu.be/gr5Y63bDNNg?t=2

2. Come Holy Ghost: https://youtu.be/VSsQ8lfgF2M?t=2

3. The Power of Your Love: https://youtu.be/Ga6Qtxzd6vk?t=1

4. Veni Sancte Spiritus  https://youtu.be/Z6hqAfsHURo?t=1

 

From today’s Gospel then we can thank God that He loves us so much that He gives us His gift of peace. We do not need to be troubled or afraid. We have the Holy Spirit with us to teach us everything and remind us of all Jesus have said to us.

 

May you have a blessed week in the Risen Lord and give the world an Alleluia wherever you are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entering the Joy : Easter Entrance Antiphons Friday 5th Week of Eastertide

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphons.

He is Not Here: He Is Risen.

 Entering the Joy – Friday, Week 5 of Eastertide

Entrance Antiphon:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honour, alleluia.”
(cf. Revelation 5:12)

 

The Slain Lamb is Now Worthy of All

Today’s antiphon places us in the heart of the heavenly liturgy.

We are not just remembering what Jesus did —

we are joining the worship of heaven, where the risen Christ is adored.

But notice how He is described:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…”

Not “the victorious warrior,” not “the conquering king” — but the Lamb, and not just the Lamb — the slain Lamb.

His worthiness comes through sacrifice.

His glory comes through the cross.

And now, He receives everything:

Power. Divinity. Wisdom. Strength. Honour.

This is what Easter proclaims:

The one who gave everything now holds everything.

 

Spirituality in Action

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Whisper: “Worthy is the Lamb.” Let it re-centre you when you feel scattered.
• Honour Christ today by giving your best — your attention, your kindness, your strength.
• Reflect: where in your life do you need to surrender control and let the Lamb reign?

 Short Prayer

Worthy are You, Jesus,
Slain for us, risen in glory.
You hold power, wisdom, and strength —
and yet You still carry wounds of love.
Let me honour You today
in how I live, speak, and love.
Alleluia. Amen.

Come Holy Spirit Series: Week 5 Gift of Fortitude ( courage).

Come Holy Spirit Series

Come Holy Spirit

 Come Holy Spirit Series: Week 5 — The Gift of Fortitude  “The Strength to Stand, the Grace to Endure”

Welcome back to our Come Holy Spirit series. This week, we meet a gift that some of us know more intimately than others. She’s the steady one. The fire in the bones. The calm in the storm. She doesn’t always make headlines, but when life gets hard, she’s the one who stays.  This is the Gift of Fortitude—also called Courage.

And personally? I’ve always felt that I received a triple dose at Confirmation.

This girl doesn’t often let me down. She has rarely failed me, and even in the one moment where I felt her flicker, a wise priest reminded me that maybe the Spirit was helping me lean into other gifts.

But this week, I come home to her again. And maybe you need her too.

 What Does the Catechism Say About Fortitude?

Q. 389. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. They are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

(CCC 1830–1831)

 What Is the Gift of Fortitude?

Fortitude is the supernatural courage to do what is right, especially when it's difficult, unpopular, frightening, or exhausting. 

• It is not bravado. 
• It is not recklessness.
• It is not natural toughness or sheer willpower.

Fortitude is:

• Grace to stand firm in faith under trial.
• Courage to speak the truth with love, even when it costs.
• Strength to persevere through long seasons of suffering or silence.
• Steadiness to keep going when others give up.

 Why Do We Need Fortitude?

Our life is full of hills that feel too steep. We need fortitude because truth is often inconvenient, because love is demanding and because discipleship is not always applauded.

Fortitude helps us:

• Push through fear and spiritual fatigue.
• Stay faithful in the face of opposition or temptation.
• Endure with hope when we want to give up.
• Choose Christ again and again—even when it’s hard.

It doesn’t always feel dramatic. Often, it looks like just showing up—to prayer, to Mass, to your vocation—when you could so easily walk away.

 

How Can We Strengthen and Use the Gift of Fortitude?

1. Recall where you’ve already stood strong.

Your past victories in God’s grace are proof He’ll strengthen you again.

2. Pray when you’re weak.

Fortitude grows in the furnace. Pray: “Holy Spirit, I’m scared. Help me take the next step.”

3. Let others strengthen you.

The Spirit often speaks through encouraging words, supportive friends, or even a line in Scripture at just the right moment.

4. Act in small brave ways.

Say the hard thing kindly. Try again. Admit weakness. Ask for help. Stay when it’s easier to run.

5. Don’t confuse weariness with failure.

Fortitude is not never feeling tired. It’s pressing on anyway.

 Scriptures That Speak to Fortitude

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread… for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.”

— Deuteronomy 31:6

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

— Philippians 4:13

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness.”

— Romans 8:26

 Reflection Question for the Week

Where in my life am I being called to keep going, keep speaking, or keep trusting—when everything in me wants to stop?

 Daily Soul Moments: Fortitude Week

• Sunday: Remember a moment when God gave you unexpected strength. Give thanks.
• Monday: Ask: Where do I feel resistance or fear right now? Offer it to the Spirit.
• Tuesday: Read Deuteronomy 31:6. Let it settle deep into your bones.
• Wednesday: Do one small brave thing today.
• Thursday: Encourage someone else in their battle. Let Fortitude flow through you.
• Friday: Let yourself rest—Fortitude is not about burnout, but rooted strength.
• Saturday: Look back on the week: Where did Fortitude quietly carry you?

 

Closing Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Gift of Fortitude,

Be my courage when I falter,

My strength when I’m weak,

My resolve when I want to run.

Help me to stand in love, speak with truth, and persevere in hope.

Let me rise again when I fall, and walk with quiet strength wherever You lead.

Moments with the Gospel Series: Gospel of John 14 and understanding the word bequeath.

 Moments with the Gospel Series

Moments with the Gospel Icon.

Today’s Gospel is from John 14: 27-31.  As I was meditating on this Gospel, the word bequeath took my attention.  What is bequeath I wondered?

“Peace, I bequeath you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

The word “bequeath” — is sometimes used in older or more formal translations in place of “leave.” The Greek verb here is ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), which means to send away, leave, release, or let go. In this context, it conveys "leaving behind" as a legacy or inheritance, which is why “bequeath” fits so beautifully.

Teasing out bequeath:

• Legal and Lasting: “Bequeath” is a term often used in a will. It suggests that Jesus is intentionally leaving something behind for His disciples — not accidentally, but as a deliberate gift in view of His departure. His peace is part of their inheritance as His followers.
• Irrevocable: What is bequeathed is not taken back. It becomes the possession of the recipient. So, Christ’s peace isn't momentary — it remains with them, even after He ascends.
• Personal and Intimate: Unlike the world’s transient or conditional peace (which can be broken or disturbed), Christ’s peace is relational — grounded in His union with the Father and extended to His followers.
• A Peace Unlike the World’s: Jesus contrasts His gift with the way the world gives — often selectively, manipulatively, or temporarily. His bequeathed peace is eternal, sustaining, and rooted in divine love.

 

Then I wondered: What does it mean that Jesus bequeaths me His peace — not just for a moment of comfort, but as an enduring inheritance? At every Mass, just before Communion, we hear words that echo John 14:27 directly:

“Peace I leave you, my peace I give you…”

This is spoken by the priest in the Rite of Peace, right after the Lord’s Prayer and before the Lamb of God:

“Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church…”

This moment is not just a remembrance of something Jesus once said — it’s a present and active bequeathing. In the context of the liturgy, Christ Himself is bestowing His peace anew — not symbolically, but sacramentally, as part of His gift of Himself in the Eucharist.

So yes, every day at Mass:

• The bequeathing of peace is re-presented.
• The words of John 14:27 are liturgically embodied.
• This peace is not just a polite greeting — it's a preparation for communion with Christ, as He comes to dwell in us.

 

Liturgical Contingency

This means His peace is:

• Tied to the mystery of His Passion (which He was about to undergo when He first spoke those words),
• Given in the context of His self-offering (the Eucharist),
• Meant to dwell in us, transforming us into peacemakers and bearers of His legacy.

Jesus offers us His peace — not as possession, but as participation. At the Sign of Peace, we do not just exchange a gesture, rather we pass on what we have received, sacrificing self to extend His peace to the very people He died to reconcile.

It is Eucharistic: It is

·         peace broken and shared,

·         offered in love,

·         not held for self.

That moment of the Sign of Peace can seem so small, even routine.

However, when seen through the lens of John 14:27 and the Eucharist,

it becomes a sacred relay of grace. Christ bequeaths His peace, and we become the stewards who carry it outward ,not just in words, but in lives offered for others.

After the Resurrection, Jesus greets His disciples with:

“Peace be with you.”

This is not just a gentle hello, rather it is  a continuation and confirmation of what He bequeathed in John 14:27.Now, risen and victorious, He seals that gift.

Consider these moments:

• John 20:19: “Peace be with you” — as He shows them His wounds.
• John 20:21: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
• John 20:26 (eight days later to Thomas and the others): again, “Peace be with you.”

Each time, it is not just comfort. It is mission, identity, and assurance.

He speaks peace into:

• Their fear behind locked doors.
• Their guilt for abandoning Him.
• Their confusion about what comes next.

His peace becomes resurrection-shaped — not avoidance of suffering, but the victory through it. It is the same peace He gave in John 14…but now glorified, and entrusted to His Church.

How does this Peace disappear?

Jesus gives His peace — a peace the world cannot give and cannot take away.

And yet… we do feel it slip through our fingers sometimes. People, wounds, misunderstandings, daily irritations — they seem to disrupt or “steal” that peace.

So what’s going on? Theologically and spiritually:

The peace Jesus gives is not the absence of trouble — it’s His presence in the midst of it.  We are human.  Our hearts are still learning to rest in Him, still growing in trust. So our experience of that peace can falter — even if the gift itself has not been withdrawn.

Why it feels disrupted:

1. Our attention shifts — from Christ to circumstance.
2. We try to control outcomes rather than surrendering to God’s providence.
3. We absorb other people’s turmoil rather than remaining rooted in Christ’s stillness.
4. We forget we are vessels, not sources — peace flows through us, not from us.

So how do we protect this peace — so we can infuse it at the Sign of Peace?

Here are some ways that echo the spiritual wisdom of saints and scripture:

 

1. Guard your inner chapel

“Let not your hearts be troubled” (Jn 14:27)

This is Jesus telling us we can choose not to let it in. It takes spiritual training, yes, but there is a core within — a still point — where Christ dwells. Return to it often. Make it a habit: small pauses in the day to breathe, remember His presence, and re-anchor.

2. Stay close to the Giver, not just the gift

Peace is not a thing — it’s Christ Himself.

The more we cultivate closeness to Him — through the Word, through silence, through adoration — the more this peace becomes a climate within, not a weather report outside.

3. Practice the Sign of Peace before Mass

What would it look like to prepare to share peace by actively forgiving before we even walk in?

Think of people or moments that have unsettled us — and consciously, interiorly say:

“I forgive you. I hand you over to Christ.”

“I choose peace because He gave it to me.”

This clears the way to share a genuine peace during the liturgy, not just a gesture.

 

4. Let peace be your response, not your reward

If we only feel peace when others treat us well, we’ll always be at their mercy.

But if peace becomes our response, our gift, our offering — even when it costs — it becomes sacrificial, like Christ’s peace. It becomes Eucharistic.

How do I carry the peace I’ve been given so that I can share it, not lose it?

We are to stay rooted in the Giver — and when it feels lost, return again. That is discipleship.

So my meditation on the word bequeath took me on an interesting journey.  Yes. All in one word: bequeath.

Not just “give” — but entrust.

Not just “offer” — but make you a steward.

A lasting gift, given with love,

to hold, to guard, to live from, and to pass on.

All the mystery of Christ’s peace,

all the cost of the Cross,

all the strength of the Resurrection —

bequeathed to you.

Not earned. Not borrowed.

Yours.

By His will, sealed in love.

 

 

Enter The Joy: Easter Antiphon Series; Tuesday 5th Week Eastertide

Entering the Joy: Easter Antiphon Series.

He is Not Here. He Is Risen.

Entering the Joy – Tuesday, Week 5 of Eastertide

Entrance Antiphon:
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory to God, for the Lord our God the Almighty reigns, alleluia.”
(cf. Revelation 19:7, 6)

 

Rejoicing in the Reign of God

Today’s Entrance Antiphon is an invitation to joy that’s not based on feelings, but on truth:

“The Lord our God the Almighty reigns.”  It’s a statement of fact — not a mood. When everything feels unsettled, the antiphon reminds us:God still reigns.

When plans unravel or burdens feel heavy: God still reigns. God reigns with mercy. With wisdom. With resurrection power. And so we’re called to do three things:

Rejoice. Be glad. Give glory.Rejoicing doesn’t mean pretending things are perfect — it means living in trust, because the throne is not empty.

 

Spirituality in Action

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Say quietly (or aloud): “The Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” Let it settle your spirit.

• Offer a small act of praise today — a song, a whispered “thank you,” a moment of stillness in the sun.

• In a situation where you feel powerless, pause and say: “God is reigning, even here.”

 

Short Prayer

Almighty God,
You reign over all — even the places I cannot control.
Teach me to rejoice in Your kingship,
to be glad in Your presence,
and to give glory in the way I live today.

Alleluia. Amen.

  

Entering the Joy: Easter Antiphon Series: Monday 5th Week of Eastertide

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series.

He Is Not Here: He Is Risen.

 Monday Week 5 of Eastertide

Entrance Antiphon:  “The Good Shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock, alleluia.” (cf. John 10:11, 15)

Today’s Entrance Antiphon brings us back to the heart of Easter: the Risen Christ.

He is not just any shepherd; He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep intimately and lays down His life for them. But the story doesn't end with sacrifice. He has risen, conquering death, and continues to guide and protect His flock.

This image reassures us that we are never alone. The Risen Shepherd walks with us, leading us through the challenges of life, offering comfort, guidance, and unwavering love.

Spirituality in Action  

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Trust in His guidance: When faced with decisions, remember that the Good Shepherd is leading you.
• Offer care to others: Reflect His shepherding by being attentive and compassionate to those around you.
• Embrace hope: Let the reality of the Resurrection fill you with hope, especially in moments of doubt or fear.

 Short Prayer

God Shepherd,
You laid down Your life for me and rose again in glory.
Lead me today with Your gentle guidance.
Help me to hear Your voice and follow where You lead.
May I find comfort in Your presence and share Your love with others.
Amen.