Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

It’s Black Friday! This is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States especially for the shopaholics. No matter where you are, whatever you do, next few weeks buying gifts for someone or for yourself may be in the back of your mind. We can easily get bogged by stuffs and become a victim of what we consume, and forget to return to the sacred which is yourself the temple of the Holy Spirit. Unless we return to the sacred, we won’t be able to recognize that “we are all members of one sacred family” created by God. To take advantage of this beautiful time of the year, keep the following suggestions in mind:

+ The Gift of Time: Pray unceasing, writing in a journal, spending time with a friend; a special time with your children.

+ The Gift of Reflection: In everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Think about all the things you have. Do a "thank you" walk around your home. Reconnect with someone. Offer a blessing of thanks before every meal.

 + The Gift of Laughter. Take a chuckle break-with a humorous book or a funny movie. Spend time with a friend who always leaves you in stitches.

+ The Gift of Kindness. Start the day smiling. Compliment a stranger. Hold doors. Contribute to a friend's favorite "charity. Each day, remember that there's one special gift that keeps on giving-God's own great love for each of us. (by Cheryl Richardson)

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1404


I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes control your imagination and close your eyes to all the noises of the world in order to enter into yourself. Then, in the sanctuary of your baptized soul (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit) speak to that Divine Spirit, saying to Him: 

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me Your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me and to accept all that You permit to happen to me. Let me only know Your Will. 

If you do this, your life will flow along happily, serenely, and full of consolation, even in the midst of trials. Grace will be proportioned to the trial, giving you the strength to carry it and you will arrive at the Gate of Paradise, laden with merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret of sanctity.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Vincent-Vuong Nguyen