Novena for the Charisms and
Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Day 3
Charismatic Gift: Faith
Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
Luke 8:25
He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Reflection:
Our scripture for today is Jesus' response to the disciples in the boat after he calmed the storm. Jesus' words highlight an important spiritual principle: fear and faith are always at odds.
The charismatic gift of faith is a supernatural gift of confidence in God. This gift allows the believer to move boldly and to raise up the gift of faith within the body of Christ to benefit and strengthen the church. Obviously our boatload of disciples above needed more of this gift!. What was the fruit of their lack of faith? Fear. Because of their fear and not faith, they marveled at Jesus ability to calm the wind and the waves.
No one is at peace if they are filled with fear. No one lacks peace that is filled with faith. If we want to reap a great harvest of peace, we need more faith. Now, we can all muster up faith from time to time: We have faith the pilot flying the plane has sufficient training and experience to land safely at the destination or else we wouldn't get on board! But how how often when a family member or friend expressed fear or a crisis, do we have the confidence in God to speak faith into their lives? When the impossible stares us in the face, what rises up? Fear or faith?
At the end of the Mass, what are the final words? Go in Peace… In other words- Go with confidence that the sacrament you received has given you the grace to move in faith. We need the gift of faith in order to have the fruit of peace. Peace- the quiet confidence in God (and not ourselves), creates a receptivity for the gift of faith. Faith and Peace work together.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I desire more faith. In my own strength, I do not have the ability to be free from fear. I need your gift of faith in abundance, according to your will, so that peace may reign in my heart. May this gift of faith and the fruit of peace that you offer to be a source of strength to share your great love with others and to build up and strengthen faith within the church. Amen!
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.