Editorial

Are you a blessing?

By Gerard Pereira (Editor, Inspiritu)

Dear friends,

Its been two years since the “Peninsula Malaysia Catholic Charismatic Renewal Leaders training Programme”, conducted by Fr. Gino.

During the introductory session Father suggested three readings for leaders to review, reflect, analyses and plan for the future growth. He said the programme was not to learn a few tricks but to grow in the Spirit of Discernment.( Ps 16:8,Ps 19:14 and 1 Kings 3:3,5-9 )

After two years is there still a need for Catholic Charismatic Prayer groups?

What was the initial purpose of a Charismatic Prayer meeting?

Purpose Fr. Fio Mascarenhas (SJ) in his “Handbook for leaders” says, “the Charismatic Prayer meeting is a gathering of disciples who are trying to live an intense Christian life in the modern world”.

In our Malaysian context, it will generally refer to those who have been through a LSS and have made a definitive choice for Jesus; “after having heard the Word of truth, the Gospel of Salvation and have believed in Him were sealed in the Holy Spirit ( Eph:1:13 )”

This definitive choice for Jesus at a LSS says Fr. Cantalamessa, “Makes real and revitalises the Sacrament of baptism which we received as infants. For many are unable to experience the accompanying fruits of the Sacrament of Baptism ‘until the Baptism in the Spirit' because of certain blocks that prevent its effectiveness. Although the Sacrament of Baptism was valid, it remained “tied” up till this point”.

For a participant to grow in the ‘new life of the Spirit' says Fr. Fio, “A transition has to be made from the seminar to becoming a part of a group or Community with the same experience” .

The Prayer meeting Fr. Fio goes on to say supplements the Eucharistic celebration the principal act of worship, with the informal group worship.

To praise Fr. Fio says, is to express one's admiration, approval appreciation and admiration of God. To worship is to INTERIORISE these sentiments and surrender oneself to God's loving will. Hence good worship calls for adoration and contemplation.

The second purpose of a Prayer Meeting Fr. Fio goes on to say, is to receive nourishment from the word of God, from charisms such as prophecy and from teachings. Teachings are needed to help spiritual growth. Just as much as joyful praise, is certainly a part of Christian living, so too is the cross.

Fruit

The presence and power of the Spirit in one's life is to be manifested “in season and out of season”, in good times and in bad with signs and wonders, like healing and other blessings as well as in constant “ dying to oneself”, in order to “love God with all one's heart, all one's mind and all one's strength: and one's neighbour as oneself”.

Is God still gathering disciples to Charismatic Prayer meetings to live Spirit filled Lives through informal worship and formation in all areas of our life?

Prayer Group Core team members need to review, study, consult, pray and address the state and the ‘growth stage' of the Prayer Group. Are we disciples ourselves?

We need mature Christians, healed and deeply rooted in the imitation of Jesus. “We need a new fire for a new Pentecost”. The Holy Spirit will pour out the grace of Christian maturity on all those open to His will.

“How does God want to bless our Parish through the CCR?”

“How does God want to remove the blocks that prevent the effectiveness of the sacraments we have received to live spirit filled lives through the CCR?”.

The articles in this issue are chosen to help us review our focus and vision for our Prayer groups and personal lives to live the ‘new life in the Spirit'.

Serving you,

Gerry Pereira