By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:47:23 +0000

“Perceptions of the Church”. I would suggest that the Liberal media in New Zealand is working to foster those perceptions. Liberals are pushing hard an agenda flowing into issues like Abortion, Cannabis, Euthanasia and eradicating as far as possible the Word of Christ from mainstream society.

By: John

John — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 06:04:49 +0000

Abbot Garaets OSB of the Monastery for retreats for spiritual directors once spoke of scripture without the Holy Spirit, as a “dead letter”. Pope Leo 13th promulgated a huge prayer to the Holy Spirit, which subsequently was followed by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that spread throughout the world beginning with early pioneers in the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the U.S.
In Catholic parlance, this has morphed into what is termed “Catholic charismatic renewal. “[CCR].
CCR is well recognised for a personal Jesus. It provides an opportunity for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in peoples lives.
The importance of the connection of the Holy Spirit to Jesus is not generally appreciated in the Catholic church although doctrinally obvious, experientially it is often unknown. There is no excuse for this.
When CCR is embraced, it is always accompanied by a newness in a person’s life. This may take the form of a growing closer to God and accompanied by many gifts of the Holy Spirit. (1Cor12). This is like snowball rolling downhill. It may begin as a seed, but it grows like the mustard tree. Or as someone once said, “Big things have small beginnings”.
This church is accompanied always by a mystical element and has not changed the original doctrine, rather supplied a leaven for the bread. Church has always been seen as the “mystical body of Christ”. CCR makes this happen, as the Holy Spirit moves people towards events in their lives, that are real, and provide an opportunity for spiritual growth.
The church is built downwards, to the marginalised.
Tall steeples are fine, and church bells and organs make for melodious musical sounds, but the lessons of the heart know no bounds. The Love of Jesus conquers all, and His church is enlivened by His presence
The church of Jesus is a church which grows.
We seek Jesus in others, and generally, when we do, we are never disappointed.
An easy way to do this is to simply recite the Lord’s prayer. Said slowly it helps us enter the mystery. It also helps us grow towards others, to bring Jesus to others, and through this make a church come alive.
If we ask for anything of the Good Lord, He never disappoints. He always sends His Holy Spirit in new and beautiful ways. Buildings are no longer just edifices of stone but alive with people who are growing with others.
God is a God of the Living.

Comments on: Jesus admired in NZ; Church not so much

By: Phil

By: John