Comments on: Saturday, May 23, 2020 Divine Providence

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 24 May 2020 03:45:44 +0000

Thank you, Mary. I looked your commentary on the dissension, described in I Corinthians 3:6, which led to guidance for us today when we get too attached to one leader or another: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

By: Mary Ortwein

Mary Ortwein — Sat, 23 May 2020 17:22:22 +0000

Hi, Kay,
Thanks for the question. John the Baptist called people to repent–to turn from being away from God to being toward God. He took people as far as they could go at that time–to choose to give up sin and conform their lives to the 10 Commandments and other Hebrew law.

Jesus did not baptize, but his disciples did–at the same level: as a human endeavor to “get right with God.” After Jesus resurrection and ascension, he gave the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” to his disciples who then became apostles. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God–it is supernatural, not something you can do for yourself. It is the life of God put within a person who receives it. We receive this at our baptism and through all the seven sacraments.
However, sometimes our own dispositions or immaturities or lack of understanding prevent us from fully opening the gifts of the Holy Spirit God gives us. Then, we can pray for a special, additional “baptism of the Holy Spirit” that can set us on fire with God’s Love, Fidelity, and Truth. Such baptisms of the Holy Spirit can happen at a retreat, at a Life in the Spirit seminar, through charismatic prayer.

What might other readers add to this?
Mary Ortwei

By: Kay

Kay — Sat, 23 May 2020 16:17:19 +0000

Thank you for instruction and heart touching prose. Help. I need clarification, (like the new speaker, Apollos) please clarify baptism by repentance versus baptism by the holy spirit. Thank you.

By: Sheila Buckley

Sheila Buckley — Sat, 23 May 2020 14:34:27 +0000

Mary,
Thank you so much for this reflection. It gives us so much to think about…very grateful for your thoughts.

By: A

Sat, 23 May 2020 13:48:18 +0000

You really brought new light to these readings today. Thank you so much

By: Noreen Rollins

Noreen Rollins — Sat, 23 May 2020 12:50:27 +0000

Dear Mary,
You have such a beautiful gift. Thank you and to all at CM who take time to share, show and help so many every day. The Holy Sprit is within you and you graciously show how to live and love.
Continued Peace and Blessings,
Noreen

By: Seamus

Seamus — Sat, 23 May 2020 11:15:36 +0000

Thank you Mary, wonderful read, inspiring, well done. A good few years ago I came across the concept of a “growth mindset”. It was nice to feel that in your reflection today.
Peace and harmony………

By: Ernest

Ernest — Sat, 23 May 2020 10:35:12 +0000

Wow… thank you for your wonderful reflections. I’m inspired. God bless you and continue to inspire you to bring clarity to the daily readings through your reflections. Keep writing!