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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 THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024

By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA

THE BREAD OF LIFE AND FAITH

I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.” Jn. 6:51

Our gospel reference today continued Jesus’ teaching on the Bread of Life. Jesus declares that He is the living bread from heaven that gives life to anyone who eats the bread. He also declared that the bread that he gives is his flesh for the life of the world, and that those who want to “live forever” must also eat His “Flesh.” This teaching elicits various reactions from the people.

How would you have reacted to this statement if you were among those within the crowd? Consider the fact that you had recently seen, with your eyes, the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Therefore, you would have realized that Jesus was someone special, and unique.

How would you have reacted to Jesus’ statement, “and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world,” if you had heard it spoken at that time? Would your reaction have been the same to the teaching of the Most Holy Eucharist as taught and explained by the Church today?

Many of those who heard this teaching of Jesus thought it was a bit of an unusual thing to say. Some would have reacted strongly, while others would have reacted with indifference. But some would have had an entirely different reaction.

Some who have heard this new and shocking teaching would have realized that they did not fully understand what He meant but would have believed deeply on account of the gift of faith. Somehow they would have known, in the depths of their consciences, that they did indeed need to eat the Flesh of Him Who came down from Heaven since He was indeed the Bread of Life.

Believing in the Eucharist, in the fact that these tangible and visible gifts of the Sacred Host and the Precious Blood are, in fact, the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Eternal Son of God, can only happen through the interior and transforming gift of faith. How else can you believe such a teaching?

How else could you believe that this teaching of Jesus on the bread of life has come true? And that the reception of the Holy Eucharist is the pathway to eternal life? The gift of faith in the Holy Eucharist is the one and only way to understand, accept and deeply believe what Jesus has taught us on the bread of life.

As Christian we need to accept and know that the Holy Eucharist is the wonderful banquet at which Jesus gives himself to us. Hence, we need to receive the glorified Body and Blood of the Risen Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist with a repentant heart, proper preparation, reverential fear, and grateful joy.

Reflect today, upon those sacred words of Jesus for the first time: “…the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.” As you prayerfully reflect upon these words, ponder how deeply you believe them. How deep is your faith in the Most Holy Eucharist? The Eucharist is the fulfillment of this passage, and our divine Lord invites you to not only believe in His holy words but to allow this truth to transform you in ways beyond what you could ever imagine.

Lord Jesus, You are truly the Bread of Life, and all those who eat Your Flesh and drink Your Blood will inherit eternal life. I do believe this, dear Lord. I believe that the Most Holy Eucharist is You, Your Soul and Divinity, given to me so that I can share in Your holy life. Give me the grace I need to deepen my faith in the Most Holy Eucharist so that I will be drawn more fully into the joys of Your Eternal Kingdom. 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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