Disciple – Dr. Lawrence V. McCrobie

Pentecost: Celebrating the Power of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, is a significant Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the early Christian Church. It holds immense religious and historical importance, symbolizing the empowering of believers and the spread of the gospel. This article explores the origins, significance, and traditions associated with Pentecost.

Origins and Biblical Significance

Pentecost has its roots in Jewish tradition and finds mention in the Old Testament as the Feast of Weeks, a harvest festival celebrated seven weeks after Passover. However, the Christian observance of Pentecost carries deeper theological meaning. The event is described in the New Testament in the Book of Acts, where the apostles and other disciples gathered in Jerusalem following Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were together in one place when suddenly a sound like a rushing wind filled the room, and tongues of fire appeared, resting upon each of them. They were then filled with the Holy Spirit, which enabled them to speak in various languages. This miraculous event drew the attention of people from different regions who had gathered in Jerusalem, and they were astounded to hear the disciples speaking in their native tongues.

The Birth of the Church

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the apostle Peter delivered a powerful sermon, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. This sermon, often referred to as Peter’s Pentecost Sermon, resulted in the conversion of about three thousand people who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and were baptized. This marked the beginning of the early Christian Church.

Significance and Symbolism

Pentecost holds great significance for Christians worldwide. It symbolizes the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and comfort believers. The descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost brought about a radical transformation in the lives of the disciples, enabling them to boldly proclaim the gospel and perform miracles. This event marked the transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the spread of the Christian faith by the early Church.

The Holy Spirit’s Role

The Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in Christian theology, providing spiritual guidance, strength, and discernment to believers. It is often referred to as the “Comforter” or “Advocate” and is believed to dwell within every believer, empowering them to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Traditions and Celebration

Pentecost is celebrated with various customs and traditions across different Christian denominations. Churches are adorned with red decorations, symbolizing the flames of fire that appeared on the heads of the disciples. Special services are conducted, focusing on the work of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. Hymns and prayers invoking the presence and power of the Holy Spirit are sung.

In some Christian traditions, Pentecost is associated with the sacrament of Confirmation, where individuals receive the Holy Spirit through an anointing with oil. The feast is also a time for believers to reflect on the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Conclusion

Pentecost is a joyous celebration that commemorates the empowering of believers through the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian Church. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, equipping them to proclaim the gospel and live according to Christ’s teachings. As Christians observe Pentecost, they seek to embrace the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in their lives, fostering spiritual growth and strengthening their faith.

Conflict and Positivity

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, and it can often be challenging to stay positive when dealing with it. In the Catholic faith, there are many teachings and practices that can help individuals stay positive in the face of conflict.

First, Catholics believe in forgiveness [at least we should]. Forgiveness is a key aspect of the faith and is seen as a way to heal relationships and move forward. When dealing with conflict, it can be difficult to forgive [and often it is, as we fall into a mode of attack], but it is important to remember that forgiveness is not only beneficial to the other person but also to oneself. Forgiveness allows individuals to let go of anger and bitterness and focus on positive emotions such as love and compassion.

Second, Catholics believe in the power of prayer. Prayer is a way to communicate with God and seek guidance and strength during difficult times. When dealing with conflict, taking the time to pray and reflect on the situation can help individuals gain a clearer perspective and find inner peace [the notion of taking a step back and praying about it first]. Through prayer, individuals can ask for wisdom and discernment in how to handle the conflict in a positive way.

Third, Catholics are encouraged to practice humility. Humility involves acknowledging one’s limitations and weaknesses and recognizing the value and dignity of others. When dealing with conflict, humility can help individuals approach the situation with an open mind and a willingness to listen and learn from the other person. Instead of being defensive or confrontational [of which I personally struggle with], individuals can seek to understand the other person’s perspective and find common ground. Though common ground must be met from both sides.

Finally, Catholics believe in the power of community. Being part of a faith community can provide support, encouragement, and accountability during difficult times. When dealing with conflict, it can be helpful to seek the advice and guidance of trusted friends, family members, or spiritual leaders. These individuals can provide a listening ear, offer perspective, and provide practical advice on how to handle the conflict in a positive way.

In sum, staying positive when dealing with conflict in a Catholic perspective involves forgiveness, prayer, humility, and community. By embracing these teachings and practices, individuals can approach conflict with a positive and constructive mindset and find ways to heal relationships and move forward in a positive direction.

Pray for me as I pray for all that come into my life.

Recent Major Changes in Canon Law

Canon law is the set of laws and regulations that govern the Catholic Church. These laws guide the beliefs and practices of the Church, and they are updated from time to time to reflect changes in society and the needs of the faithful. In recent years, there have been several significant reforms in canon law, aimed at making the Church more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of its members.

One of the most significant changes in canon law in recent years is the 2019 motu proprio, Vos estis lux mundi, which established new procedures for reporting and investigating cases of clerical sexual abuse. The document requires that all bishops and religious superiors promptly report any allegations of abuse to the appropriate authorities, and it establishes a system for the investigation of such claims. This reform is a response to the widespread sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the Church in recent years, and it is intended to ensure that victims are heard and that abusers are held accountable.

Another significant reform in canon law is the 2021 apostolic letter, Traditionis custodes, which restricted the use of the traditional Latin Mass. The document states that the Latin Mass can only be celebrated with the permission of the local bishop, and that priests who wish to celebrate it must be trained in the theology and liturgy of the post-Vatican II Church. This reform is a response to concerns that the traditionalist movement within the Church is promoting a narrow and exclusionary vision of Catholicism, and that it is undermining the unity and diversity of the Church.

In addition to these reforms, there have been other changes in canon law in recent years aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the Church. For example, the 2020 apostolic letter, Authenticum charismatis, simplified the process for establishing new lay associations and movements in the Church, and it emphasized the importance of lay participation in the life and mission of the Church. Similarly, the 2020 motu proprio, Spiritus Domini, changed the law to allow women to be formally installed as lectors and acolytes in the Church, a role previously reserved for men.

Overall, these recent reforms in canon law reflect the Church’s commitment to responding to the needs of the faithful and to promoting the common good. They demonstrate a willingness to adapt and change in response to the challenges of the modern world, while remaining faithful to the Church’s rich tradition and heritage. As the Church continues to evolve and grow, we can expect to see further changes in canon law that will help to shape its future direction and mission.

One area of canon law that is likely to see further reform in the coming years is the role of women in the Church. While recent reforms, such as Spiritus Domini, have expanded opportunities for women to participate in the liturgy and ministry of the Church, there is still a great deal of debate and discussion about the role of women in leadership and decision-making roles within the Church. Some advocates for women’s ordination argue that the Church must move beyond its traditional understanding of gender roles and embrace a more egalitarian approach, while others maintain that the Church’s teaching on this matter is unchangeable.

Another area where we may see further reform in canon law is the Church’s response to social and political issues. As the Church seeks to address issues such as climate change, migration, and economic inequality, it may need to adapt its canon law to better reflect the changing realities of the world. This could involve changes to the Church’s social teaching or to its approach to political engagement.

In conclusion, the recent reforms in canon law represent an important step forward for the Catholic Church. By responding to the needs of the faithful and adapting to the changing world around us, the Church is demonstrating its commitment to promoting the common good and to fulfilling its mission of spreading the Gospel to all corners of the world. As the Church continues to evolve and grow, we can expect to see further changes in canon law that will help to shape its future direction and mission, while remaining faithful to its core beliefs and values.

Transgender Identity and the Catholic Church: A Complex Relationship

Dr. Lawrence V. McCrobie, Ed.D.

Transgender identity is a topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years, with growing visibility and acceptance in many parts of the world. However, the Catholic Church’s position on transgender identity is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both the Church’s traditional teachings on gender and sexuality and its evolving understanding of human dignity and pastoral care.

At the heart of the Catholic Church’s teachings on gender and sexuality is the belief that God created humanity male and female, with inherent differences and complementary roles. This understanding of gender is rooted in the Genesis creation story, where God creates Adam and Eve as complementary beings, each with unique characteristics and responsibilities. The Church also teaches that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage between a man and a woman, and that any sexual activity outside of this context is considered sinful.

For transgender individuals, these traditional teachings can present significant challenges. Transgender individuals experience a disconnect between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. This can lead to feelings of distress, discomfort, and dysphoria, and many transgender individuals seek to transition to live in a way that aligns with their gender identity.

The Catholic Church’s position on transgender identity is rooted in its understanding of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God. The Church recognizes that all people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, are called to a life of holiness and are deserving of dignity and respect. At the same time, the Church also recognizes the importance of the biological and psychological aspects of gender, which are seen as integral to the human person.

In 2019, the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education released a document titled “Male and Female He Created Them,” which reaffirmed the Church’s traditional teachings on gender and sexuality. The document states that “gender theory” is “an attempt to remove the difference between the sexes, and proposes a society without sexual differences, thereby eliminating the anthropological basis of the family.” The document goes on to state that the Church recognizes the suffering experienced by those with gender dysphoria, but also emphasizes the importance of accepting one’s biological sex as part of one’s God-given identity.

The document received significant criticism from many LGBTQ+ advocates, who argued that it was a step backwards for the Church’s relationship with the transgender community. Some critics argued that the document showed a lack of understanding of the complexity of gender identity and the experiences of transgender individuals. Others saw it as a missed opportunity for the Church to show greater compassion and understanding towards those who are marginalized and often excluded from religious communities.

Despite the controversy surrounding “Male and Female He Created Them,” the Catholic Church has taken steps in recent years to engage with the transgender community and offer support and pastoral care to those who are struggling with issues of gender identity. In 2019, the Jesuit-run Georgetown University hosted a conference titled “Transcending Boundaries, Transforming Lives,” which brought together theologians, pastoral ministers, and healthcare providers to discuss ways to better support transgender individuals within the Catholic Church.

The conference was an important step towards greater engagement between the Catholic Church and the transgender community, and it highlighted the importance of offering pastoral care that is both compassionate and grounded in Church teaching. Participants in the conference emphasized the importance of listening to the experiences of transgender individuals and working to create a more inclusive and welcoming Church community.

In addition to conferences and other initiatives, there are also individual priests and pastoral ministers who are working to provide support and pastoral care to transgender individuals within their communities. These individuals recognize the challenges faced by transgender individuals, and they are committed to offering support and guidance rooted in Church teaching and a deep sense of compassion and understanding.

However, the Church’s position on transgender identity remains a source of controversy and tension, both within the Church and in broader society. Many critics argue that the Church’s teachings on gender and sexuality are outdated and out of touch with modern understandings of gender identity and expression. They also argue that the Church’s emphasis on binary gender roles and traditional family structures can be harmful and exclusionary to those who do not fit into these narrow categories.

On the other hand, supporters of the Church’s teachings on gender and sexuality argue that these teachings are grounded in the natural law and reflect the inherent dignity and value of every human person. They also argue that the Church’s teachings provide a framework for healthy relationships and families, and that they offer a path towards greater happiness and fulfillment.

The complexity of the Catholic Church’s relationship with the transgender community highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation within the Church. While the Church is committed to upholding its traditional teachings on gender and sexuality, it is also recognizing the importance of engaging with and supporting those who do not fit neatly into these categories. This tension can be difficult to navigate, and it is likely to continue to be a source of controversy and debate in the years to come.

Ultimately, the Catholic Church’s position on transgender identity reflects its broader understanding of the human person and the importance of respecting human dignity and promoting the common good. While the Church’s teachings on gender and sexuality may be challenging for some, they are also grounded in a deep sense of compassion and a desire to offer support and guidance to all who seek it. As the Church continues to engage with the transgender community and offer pastoral care to those who are struggling with issues of gender identity, it will be important to maintain a sense of openness, compassion, and understanding, while also remaining faithful to its traditional teachings and values.

Trinity Sunday- June 16, 2019

On the feast of the most Holy Trinity we read from the Gospel of John. It is quite interesting that the word “Trinity” is not mentioned at all in either the Old or the New Testament. Trinity comes from a Latin-based word meaning the number three or triad. Although in the New Testament there are many texts that speak of God as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; there is never a direct reference to the Trinity.

Gospel Acclamation: Rev 1:8

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; the God who is, who was, and who is to come.

Today’s reading is where Jesus, the Son, is speaking making references to the Spirit and to the father. There is a dynamic relationship between each of the three persons that the Trinity represents, and it is expressed in a variety of ways throughout the various different scriptural passages. Today’s particular gospel from John gives us a hint of the relationship that will be explored for many centuries.

The passage today we experience the notion of the “Spirit of Truth” rather than the “Holy Spirit” that we all are very familiar with. This Spirit of Truth has a particular task that is bestowed upon them, which is to guide the disciples through the truth—bringing to them the message that is heard from the Father, Son, and Spirit. The Spirit of Truth also functions to glorify the Son—and to then take from the Son, whom has everything the Father has—declaring it all to the disciples—HOW WONDERFUL!

We run into problems is the fact that we are given several different reference points to try and explain the Trinity. One of the most popular is the shamrock—followed closely by the image relation of using the sun. God is of course more than a leaf on a clover, and more than the sun [Father the sun itself, Son is the light, and Spirit the heat]. No matter what image that you use, all of the references lack in some way, creating an incomplete and problematic approach to trying to explain the presence of the Trinity. It is, of course, best to go back to the Scripture for the understanding.

KEY PHRASE:

Everything of the Fathers is mine—and from mine will be given unto you!

Focusing on the Gospel today we see that the three people are relational. The Son have obtained everything from the Father, while the Spirit functions as a commutator relaying the message of fullness and unity of the Father and Son. Within God there is shown a completeness, and a relationship between the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. We see that all are necessary to complete the outpouring of everything among them. Because we are made in the likeness of God, we are called to participate in this community. To pour everything from within—to be then filled with the mercy, forgiveness and love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In the readings we are introduced to a figure of “Lady Wisdom”. In the first reading the Lady sings a song of self-revelation. This hymn tells us of a long-lived relationship that developed over time. It was a relationship of Joy. It is a complete relationship that is of mutual respect. It is a relationship of dependence. It is a humble gift that should be met with humility and JOY!

PSALM:

O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

Taking a look at this mystery we can see that it is nearly impossible to fully understand it. The mystery of the Trinity is not something we can understand in this world, and we should not try to understand it. We should engage in a deeper relationship to get to know God the Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. There is no distinct answer that can ever be given, but then why would you want to solve that mystery. By maintain the mystery of the Trinity we care thus called into a developing relationship. We can be continually filled with wonder and LOVE!

Let us take His message out and breathe new life among all God’s disciples.

St Maximilian Kolbe, PRAY FOR US!

Deus lo Vult!

†lvm†

The Spirit of Christ be with you always, AND WITH YOUR MATH!

The multiplication process of spreading the word of God and the love of Christ—Over the same 36-year period instead of leading a thousand people you merely led three, and then trained them to share the love of Christ to three others—then in the SAME 36-year period there would be well over a MILLION people who would come to know and love Christ. I think a million disciples is far better than taking a personal win of 36,000.

The Spirit of Christ be with you always, AND WITH YOUR MATH!

Wait! What? We often think that we are doing our jobs when we go out into the world after mass and display our faith and our love for Christ. In a way, we are, however, we would be doing it an academic “C” level. To fully understand this, we look at Matthew 28:18-20. This command asks us to go out and MAKE disciples, not to merely get them to convert over to Catholicism.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All Authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age’”.

: ONE person CAN make a difference!

What a powerful statement that Christ gave us. But what does it mean? If I decide to only ask people to believe in Christ in the Catholic way and I do that to approximately one thousand people a year for 36 years—I would be proud to know that I have touched 36 THOUSAND people! The joy that I would have in my ability to share the love of Christ would be GREAT, but it would not be what I was called to do; nor is it what any of us are called to do. DISCIPLESHIP is not about winning people over; it is about creating conversion—that part is real. It is about creating awareness and understanding of the faith in general so that those you “win over” can go out and do the same thing! BINGO! There you have it, you have done what you were asked to do. So, what would those impacts look like, is it better? Well of course! If you take the actual multiplication process of spreading the word of God and the love of Christ—Over the same 36-year period instead of leading a thousand people you merely led three, and then trained them to share the love of Christ to three others—then in the SAME 36-year period there would be well over a MILLION people who would come to know and love Christ. I think a million disciples is far better than taking a personal win of 36,000.

What I have explained is a brief difference between Spiritual Addition and that of Spiritual Multiplication. But how do we engage in the more advanced “Math of Jesus”? You must FIND- LOCATE INTEREST-SHARE- HELP. Those steps allow you to locate those that wish to know Christ, figure out their interests in Christ; their felt needs (what they think Jesus does for them); and finally, their attitude towards Jesus. This is an essential process, for from these necessary findings you can LOCATE what is attractive to them about the love and understanding of Christ.

So now gathering their interest in Christ. Understanding testimony, answered prayer stories, needs for personal prayers, and the community in which they lean towards to find and learn of God’s love, allows the original disciple to begin to make grounds of a life-long formation process. This process eventually prepares the newly formed disciple with the tools necessary for them to enter the SHARE phase of their journey. This share portion of the journey is an important one. Here we can know and spread the story of Jesus, discover the power of Bible study, hear Gospel presentations, and ultimately be led to lectio divina (spiritual reading). Once this step is complete, then we have a small period of HELP. This period allows the newly formed Disciple of Christ to be asked for a decision, and from that decision to deal with any barriers that might exist. So, what is this decision? This decision is the hardest one we deal with as a human. THE DECISION TO DO WHAT IS BEING ASKED OF US. To go out and make disciples of all nations.

What must we give to become a disciple of *Christ*?

Is the process of Spiritual Multiplication more natural than Spiritual Addition? OF COURSE NOT! Nothing we were meant to do was expected to be comfortable. Loving God is sometimes hard. Trusting God can equally be hard to do. But listening to God should NEVER be hard. Listening takes no effort. If we only consider time in our lives to slow down and LISTEN, then we will see a great deal of change in all areas of life.

So, the next time the next time you are in mass and here THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU we should almost respond with “and with your math.” For it is with our priest’s multiplication that we can as a community move closer to God. For they are working to make efficient and productive disciples of us all. And when we finish the Mass with—Go out and Glorify the Lord by your Presence— Maybe we should think ‘Praise be the Math of the Lord’.

I must thank my fellow Brother Knight Mr. Andy Medders for responding to my call to ask for things I could ponder and then write about. Andy is an exceptional young husband and father, and equally something I am proud to be a fellow Knight with!