We’ve had almost two weeks now to further ponder, pray with, and practice what Fr. Patrick Gonyeau shared during his Sunday homily and his three-night parish mission talks entitled “Into the Fire.” And what a total blessing his visit was! I know I learned just as much from who he is as what he said. He truly lives empowered by the Holy Spirit: led by the Spirit’s promptings and demonstrative in sharing his love of the Lord and, by extension, his love of His sheep.
I also realize that like so many times when we hear a particularly inspiring talk, go on a life-changing retreat or conference, or read a book that convicts us, how quickly what we’ve experienced and learned can slowly fade away, sometimes due to the work of the enemy who tries to snatch it from us and sometimes just due to the return to the “busy routine of life” which, too, though full of necessary and good obligations, can also at times be attributed to the evil one (Busy= Burdened Under Satan’s Yoke.)
So today, I want to make note of what I want to be sure to remember, pray with, and put into further practice!
Sunday Homily…Give to God What Belongs to God: TSA (Thoughts, Speech, and Actions) Fr. Patrick is full of tips and memory tricks, and don’t we all need them! 😉 I know I do! His take-away nugget on Sunday, 10/18, was easy to remember though not always so easy to put into action. “God is in you…think of Kingdom TSA, the Holy Spirit wants to guide you, to help you give to God what belongs to God: a life full of God.” We can give to God what belongs to God when we let the Spirit guide our thoughts, speech, and actions…with a smile!
Night #1: To a very well-attended first night, Fr. Patrick presented us with four tips/practices to know and receive God’s perfect love: 1. Pondering the Truth of the Crucifix…”What does my life mean to God? Everything!” His love is poured out on the cross! 2. Attending Mass & Receiving Eucharist…”We come to the foot of the cross every time we come to Mass.” 3. Keeping the Name of Jesus Always on Our Lips… His name reveals His presence; His name brings Heaven to earth! His name is a “simple” (but powerful) prayer that we can say at any moment! and 4. Gazing at His Holy Face…whether an image of Jesus or in Adoration with our Eucharistic Lord, “his gaze purifies our heart” (CCC 2715). This practice helps us build a devotion to His Holy Face. As Fr. Patrick explained, “We are living a love story: What if every day of our lives were open to the love of God and how he wants to use us!” These four tips help us grow in that direction.
Night #2: This night centered on three tips for getting familiar with His voice…1. Read Sacred Scripture prayerfully. 2. While reading, practice talking with and listening to God; practice sacred journaling. 3. Ask God questions about bringing His love to people today. Fr. Patrick reminded us of John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.” God wants to talk to us! And he wants us to talk to him…and listen for his voice.
Night #3: Each night, naturally, flowed from the last…Intimacy with God, leading to deeper listening, culminating in following where he leads. The “Four Sticks of Dynamite” for following where he leads, for sharing Jesus with others are: 1. Asking God every day for the grace to evangelize: “Holy Spirit, make me an evangelist!” or “Lead me, Lord, I’m open.” or “Lead me where you need me, Lord.” 2. Practicing loving kindness with everyone. 3. Asking people “Is there anything I can pray for, for you today?” And then, praying with them right then! 4. When you pray, praying in the name of Jesus with faith is important. It’s not on us! It’s all about the work and plans of the Holy Spirit. We never know how or when he plans to use an encounter …we just step out in faith!
If you weren’t able to attend, be sure to catch Fr. Patrick on our parish YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL8Fw2vo3BZk
Lord, thank you for Fr. Patrick, his beautiful conversion story, his amazing example, and his work in evangelization as you lead hearts to know their true identity as sons and daughters of the King commissioned to “go and do the work of the Father!” Jesus, all glory belongs to you! Help us to lean into these invitations to draw closer, these lessons on how to do so, and the desire you are placing on our hearts to bring you to others. Help us not complicate things. Help us know that your love is perfect: it drives out fear, it cleanses our motives, and it makes all things new. Lord, make me a new creation, your little sheep ready to hear your voice and follow you where you lead! Amen.
Let’s go “Into the Fire!”
Shayne
