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Recorded Videos Holy Spirit Conference

Holy Spirit Conference Mass Celebrants

Saturday, September 16, 2023
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, San Francisco, CA

Left to Right:
Deacon Ernie von Emster: Assisting
Fr. Armando Lopez
Fr. Ray Reyes: Main Celebrant
Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
Fr. Ken Barker

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to all the re-elected Executive Officers of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Board of the Archdiocese of San Francisco for the year 2023-2026 led by Bro. Danny Garza (Chairman), Sis. Sally Yeo (Vice Chair), Sis. Tess Garza (Secretary), Bro. Jose dela Torre (Finance) and Bro. Romy Arellano (Treasurer).

We also would like to acknowledge and compliment all new members of the CCR Board as well. More work to do in the vineyard of our Lord Jesus Christ!

To God be the glory and praise.

Fruitful Corner

REFLECTION FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024

By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA

JESUS SPEAKS TO FEAR AND ANXIETY

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” Jn. 14:1

Our gospel reference today formed part of Jesus’ Last Supper Discourses the night he was arrested. Among the series of sermons he gave that night, Jesus addressed the coming fear, or troubled hearts, that He knows His disciples will experience. He began by saying: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

This was a command. It was a gentle command. Jesus knew that His disciples would soon see Him arrested, falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and killed. He knew they would be overwhelmed by what they would soon experience, so He took this opportunity to gently and lovingly rebuke the fear that they would soon face.

By this command, Jesus consoles his disciples by assuring them that he is going to prepare an everlasting accommodation for them in his Father’s house in Heaven. He gives them the assurance that he will come back to take them to their Heavenly abodes.

Fear can come from many different sources. Some fear can be helpful to us, while others are not. The fear Jesus was speaking about here was a fear that could lead to irrational decisions, confusion, and even despair. This was the kind of fear that our Lord wanted to gently rebuke.

What is it that causes you to fear at times? Many people struggle with anxiety, worry, and fear for many different reasons. If this is something you struggle with, it is important to allow Jesus’ words to resonate within your mind and heart. The best way to overcome fear is to rebuke it at its source.

Hear Jesus say to you, “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Then listen to His second command: “You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” Faith in God is the cure for fear. When we have faith, we are under the control of the voice of God. It is God’s truth that directs us rather than the difficulty we are facing.

Fear can lead to irrational thinking, and irrational thinking can lead us deeper and deeper into confusion. Faith pierces through the irrationality we are tempted with, and the truths that faith presents to us bring clarity and strength.

As Christians, let us overcome our fears and troubled heart by actively participating in the Eucharistic celebration, by the meditative daily reading of the Word of God; by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit; by communicating with God, in personal and family prayers; and by going to God to be reconciled with Him through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Reflect, today, upon whatever it is that causes you the most anxiety, worry and fear in your life. Allow Jesus to speak to you, to call you to faith and to rebuke those troubles gently but firmly. When you have faith in God, you can endure all things. Jesus endured the Cross. The disciples eventually endured their crosses. God wants to strengthen you, too. Let Him speak to you so that you will overcome whatever is most troublesome to your heart.

Lord Jesus, You know all things. You know my heart and the difficulties I face in life. Give me the courage I need, dear Lord, to face every temptation to fear with confidence and trust in You. Bring clarity to my mind and peace to my troubled heart. Jesus, I trust in You.

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Mission Statement

As a lay organization, the mission of the Charismatic Renewal is:

1. To help all people come to know the love of God in their lives as demonstrated through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
2. To help our brothers and sisters respond to God's love by loving God in return through a commitment to serve Christ and His Church.
3. To assist them to listen and follow the movement of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives.
4. To help our brothers and sisters recognize the ministry that God has called them to, and accept the gifts that God desires to bestow upon them for His work in our Church and in our world.
5. To lead them to a New Life offered to us by the Holy Spirit.

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