Publication of the National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal PENTECOSTToda y January/February/March 2002 Volume 27, Number 1

In the midst of the storm ...... 3 LEADERS FOCUS NSC Executive Director Walter Matthews re- flects on recent national events and suggests Stirring the vision into flame...... 9 ways which the Lord seems to be inviting us to Deacon Bill Brennan writes that the con- respond. nection between baptism in the Holy Spirit and sacramental baptism can provide lead- The new springtime ...... 4 ers with a clear vision for the Charismatic Cardinal Ivan Dias shares his insights on how Renewal. the Charismatic Renewal can embody Pope John Paul II’s call to holiness and communion in Newsbriefs ...... 11 Novo Millennio Ineunte. Faith-sharing, sponsors and small groups “Do you not perceive it?” ...... 6 in the New LSS ...... 12 Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa challenges the Char- The New Life in the Spirit Seminars use faith- ismatic Renewal to have “eyes to see” what the sharing with sponsors, small groups and wit- Lord is doing in this new springtime. nessing to help participants recognize the Holy Spirit’s action in their lives. Spiritual Formation Forgiveness ...... 7 While the secular world discovers the joy of for- Chairman’s Corner 2 giveness, Christians are called to acknowledge its power in our lives. Dorothy Ranaghan of- From the Director 14 fers some insights on this vital aspect of spiri- tual growth. Ministry Update 15 www.comstock.com Renewing the grace of Pentecost in the life and mission of the church. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ PENTECOSTToday Chairman’ s

Executive Director

○○○○○○ Corner○○○○○ derstand the depth of the communal nature Walter Matthews by Fr. Patsy Iaquinta of baptism and Eucharist, there will always Editorial Board 2001 be division in the body. Fr. Art Cooney, OFM Cap. Dr. Michele Greischar Even in the early community, people wanted Virginia King to do their personal, private thing. Paul writes We’re all in this Editor to the Corinthians: “Whenever someone says, Ron Ryan ‘I belong to Paul’ and another, ‘I belong to together Apollos,’ are you not merely human?” (1 Cor. Production Manager 3:4). The body of Christ becomes divided. Jean Beers by Fr. Patsy Iaquinta Paul further says, “For anyone who eats and For Your Information drinks without discerning the body, eats and This is a publication of the National e have been called to holiness, to drinks judgment on himself” (11:29). All that Service Committee of the Catholic be like Jesus, to be the image we say and do affects every member of the Charismatic Renewal of the United Wof God. The Baltimore body of Christ. We truly are one body, indi- States, Inc. The mission of the NSC is Catechism’s question, “Why were you to stir into flame the grace of Pentecost vidual members with a variety of gifts, but within and beyond the church, to made?…to know, love and serve God…” can- one body. God’s gifts, given through us, are broaden and deepen the understand- not be understood in the narrow, invidualistic to be used for the common good. ing that baptism in the Holy Spirit is the Christian inheritance of all, and to sense. Jesus invites all of us into the life of the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Trinity, the community of persons, the com- Can we really comprehend the Chris- strengthen the Catholic Charismatic munion of God. Through our baptism we tian truth that we are responsible for Renewal. share in the communion with all the baptized, one another? The National Service Committee- and there is only one baptism in which we Chariscenter USA is a 501(c)3 non- participate. There is only one bread, one cup. In our society we have placed such an over- profit organization. Contributions to The Catechism of the tells us: emphasis on individual rights that, to a great defray the cost of this publication are “The ultimate purpose of mission is none gratefully accepted and are tax deduct- extent, we have lost the sense of community— ible to the extent allowed by law. Please other than to make men [sic] share in the that we are all in this kingdom together. In- mail to: communion between the Father and the Son ternational tragedies call us to realize that we NSC-Chariscenter USA in their Spirit of love.” are one global community. Can we really com- PO Box 628 prehend the Christian truth that we are re- Locust Grove, VA 22508-0628 To be like Jesus moves us from his hidden life Tel. (540) 972-0225 sponsible for one another? Are our individual www.nsc-chariscenter.org of thirty-plus years to the gospel stories of his whims and wants satisfied at the expense of public life. He spent the night in prayer be- the basic needs of brothers and sisters? When National Service Committee fore choosing disciples. John 17 lets us listen one eats and another is hungry, do we not eat members: in on his private prayer to our Father; the syn- and drink condemnation? Fr. Patsy Iaquinta (Chairman) Dcn. William Brennan optic accounts of the Garden of Gethsemane Josephine Cachia describe Jesus praying alone. I tend to believe To be like Jesus is more than offering prayers Fr. Art Cooney, OFM Cap. that Jesus did this throughout his life, even to our Father. It also includes welcoming Dr. Michele Greischar before he began public ministry. If all holds strangers to become a part of who we are (bap- Rosbel Hernandez true to form, it was surely this private prayer tism and the RCIA process). It includes giv- Virginia King Aggie Neck that lead Jesus to public ministry. ing food and drink to the hungry (Eucharist, Mark Nehrbas in the fullest sense, is off the table and out to Rudy Pruden In Luke 4 as Jesus begins his public life, we the street). It includes visiting the lonely and find him going to the synagogue “according imprisoned (reconciliation). To be like Jesus © 2002, National Service Committee of to his custom.” Jesus obviously shares his re- is to instruct and counsel, to correct and for- the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the United States, Inc. Not to be reproduced lationship with the Father with all. His pri- give, to comfort and heal. We are to love the without permission. vate prayer and devotion is different from his world so much that we are willing to die for communal life. As Jesus shares this commun- others to bring them the message and minis- A limited amount of advertising space ion and as he gathers others around him, these try of Jesus. ◆ is available. For information call Jean persons become bonded in love. They are so Beers, (360) 331-4860. vastly different, yet share the one Spirit. The Fr. Patsy Iaquinta is chairman of the National Advertisements for events not spon- mission of the church (Jesus and his body) Service Committee. He is pastor of Sacred Heart sored by the National Service Commit- moves from prayer to service. Until we un- Parish in Bluefield, West Virginia. tee do not imply endorsement by the NSC/Chariscenter USA. 2 PENTECOST Today January/February/March 2002 In the midst of the storm

by Walter Matthews

he headline of the Houston Chronicle of Sunday, June 10, 2001, was meant to be descriptive, but perhaps it was also sadly pro- T phetic. “Rain of Terror” it declared. Tropical Storm Allison had hit the Houston area on Friday, June 8, with a vengeance.

In this issue we had in- spite of the rain and flood, participants. His whole tended to tell the story of the Lord was present in life was touched by what how the Lord had turned tangible ways. While, he experienced. He has the “rain of terror” into a sadly, lives were lost in the returned to the church “reign of glory.” For, in the wake of the floods and and was asked by his pas- Prayer for the Nation midst of water, storm and power outages, other lives tor to share his story at his chaos, the 2001 National were being transformed, parish’s Sunday . Our Father and our God, Catholic Charismatic Re- changed and renewed. newal Conference was There are many more sto- We praise you for your goodness to our held. It will be long-re- One of the volunteer ries to tell. We had in- nation, giving us blessings far beyond membered as the Confer- workers shared the story tended to share them in what we deserve. ence that “endured.” about her husband who this issue with the articles had been away from the from talks given by Car- Yet we know all is not right with America. It will also be remembered church for thirty-five dinal Ivan Dias, Fr. We deeply need a moral and spiritual by those who attended as years. He was drafted into Raniero Cantalamessa renewal to help us meet the many the Conference where, in helping with transporting and Deacon Bill Brennan. problems we face. hen came the horrific events of September 11, an even more Convict us of sin. devastating and frightening “terror.” It has engendered many Help us to turn to you in repentance and heart-warming stories of heroic action in planes, in the World faith. Set our feet on the path of your T righteousness and peace. Trade Center and on the ground.

We pray today for our nation’s leaders. What perspective can be “Peace is what I leave with “For we are not fighting Give them the wisdom to know what is brought to the present you; it is my own peace against human beings, right, and the courage to do it. moment from what was that I give you. I do not but against the wicked experienced and what was give it as the world does. spiritual forces in the You have said, “Blessed is the nation proclaimed in Houston? Do not be worried and heavenly world, the rul- whose God is the LORD.” May this be a upset; do not be afraid” ers and authorities, and new era for America as we humble First, be at peace. The (Jn. 14:27). cosmic powers of the ourselves and acknowledge you alone as Lord is in charge. Fear— dark age” (Eph. 6:12). our Savior and LORD. the natural response to the Second, recognize that we terrorists’ acts—is useless. are in a battle—not so Who can defeat such an We pray this in your holy name. Amen. Asleep in the boat, Jesus much a battle or war against enemy? “Only the per- was awakened by the ter- terrorism, but against prin- son who believes that Composed by Rev. Billy Graham for the rified disciples. Having cipalities and powers. Jesus is the Son of God” 50th Anniversary of the National Day of calmed the storm, he Whatever leads people to (1Jn. 5:5). And how shall such an enemy be www.comstock.com Prayer last May. chastised them, “Where is fly planes into populated your faith?” (Lk. 8:25). buildings is not of God. defeated? By prayer, by © 2001 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Such hatred does not come love and by faith. from a loving God. See Storm p. 13

January/February/March 2002 PENTECOST Today 3 TheTheTheThe newnewnewnew springtime:springtime:springtime:springtime:

The world needs a spirituality of communion where unity blossoms amidst diversity

where all sectors of Christian community become more actively involvedinvolved inin proclaimingproclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

by Cardinal Ivan Dias

Our Holy Father notes in the apostolic letter, This quest for holiness means that all the trea- The second treasure is the blessed Virgin Novo Millennio Ineunte, two important words sures which the Lord has given to his church Mary. I want to tell you three phrases which for the new springtime. The first is that God must be beautified. They are like gems in the St. Louis de Montfort, a great lover of Mary, is renewing his universal call to holiness. And crown of the church. The more they are made had to say. And these are coming true as a the second is that what the world needs to- to shine, the more the crown shines. We have part of the New Springtime. “As Jesus came Oday is a spirituality of communion. so many precious treasures. I would like to the first time through the mediation of Mary, mention three main ones. so he will come the last time through Mary.” The Holy Father says: “The gift of holiness is Mary will prepare the way for Jesus’ second offered to all the baptized. But the gift in turn The first treasure is the most blessed Eucha- coming. He also said, “Mary is the compass becomes a task which must shape the whole rist—God himself present, body, blood, soul which points always to Jesus.” And the third of Christian life: ‘This is the will of God, your and divinity in our midst. This should be the statement is, “Mary is the magnet that attracts sanctification’ (1 Thes. 4:3). The time has center of our spiritual life because Christ is the Holy Spirit.” We pay attention to this be- come to re-propose wholeheartedly to every- the source of all sanctity. In our Renewal, if cause all of us want to be Spirit-filled and one this high standard of ordinary Christian we want to be really filled with the Holy Spirit, Spirit-led. living: the whole life of the Christian com- we must not only go to the word of God, but munity and of Christian families must lead to see that the word of God and our prayer The third treasure is our Holy Father, the Pope. © Bill Brooks/Wonderfile in this direction” (no. 30, 31). life lead us to God himself. I thank God for having kept his magisterium,

4 PENTECOST Today January/February/March 2002 aa callcall toto holinessholiness andand communioncommunion

We must enlarge our hearts to make them as large as the heart of God himself. someone who speaks with authority in his name deacons and the religious, to proclaim to- and gives his teachings. I suppose you know this gether and forcefully the good news of Jesus story but I will repeat it. Christ. Let us all take stock of our responsi- bility and say “yes” to this call to communion. There was a battle ship on the high seas, on a in the largest country in the world can re- very dark night. As it was sailing on the sea, main powerless when the electricity goes out. I have a dream that the church in this nation, the watchman noticed a light that was com- But I think the Lord is telling us, precisely in which is so vibrant and so blessed by God in ing straight towards the ship. So he raised the view of this new springtime, “See what the so many ways, will respond generously to alarm. The captain came up immediately and world has come to when you have switched God’s universal call to holiness and maintain saw this light coming in his direction and in- off the power of God the Holy Spirit.” a harmonious blend between charismatic and dicated to the signal officer to send a signal, institutional dimensions, both of which are “I am the captain. Alter your course ten de- Finally, my dear brothers and sisters, the co-essential in the church of Jesus Christ. I grees starboard.” The reply came, “I’m only a church tells us that the new millennium must pray with expectant faith and with the help second officer. Alter your course ten degrees be a millennium of communion. The world of God’s Holy Spirit that this dream will come starboard.” So the captain was angry and told needs a spirituality of communion. What does true and will enter into a new Pentecost in his signal officer to send another message. “I’m that mean? It is a communion where unity the United States of America and will make a battleship, so change your course ten de- blossoms amidst diversity; a communion it a light to the nations and the glory of God’s grees starboard immediately.” And promptly where all sectors of Christian community— holy people. God bless America! ◆ the reply came, “I am the lighthouse.” bishops, clergy, religious, lay faithful—be- come more actively involved together in pro- This article was adapted from Cardinal Dias’ Let us thank God that he has kept his light- claiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Fi- at the closing session of the 2001 Na- house in our midst, the one who can tell us nally, a communion where charisms and in- tional Catholic Charismatic Renewal Confer- when we are right and when we are wrong, stitution blend together harmoniously for the ence in Houston. The audio recording of the and what is our direction. greater glory of God. homily is available for $8 (includes shipping) from Resurrection Tapes, 2719 E. 42nd, Min- I always think of ourselves as light bulbs, We cannot live separately as communities of neapolis, MN 55406 or www.resevents.com. because we are supposed to be the light of persons for ourselves. We must live for God, the world. But as you know, every bulb has for the Father who is Father of all—the good Cardinal Ivan Dias has served as archbishop wires inside that are inter-connected. And and the naughty, the just and the wicked. We of (Bombay), India, since 1997. He then they are connected to the transformer must enlarge our hearts to make them as large previously worked in the and the generator. As Catholics, we must as the heart of God himself. That is a chal- diplomatic service of the have all these wires well placed, united with lenge for us. If we keep our hearts tightened, and with the the transformer which is the church and the new springtime will be aborted. Vatican Secretariat of through the transformer to the divine gen- State in , where he erator which is God himself. Today the Lord has quickened many lay pio- was first involved in the neers, associations, communities, movements Catholic Charismtic Re- Yesterday (in the aftermath of tropical storm like Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and has newal in the 1970s. Allison in Houston) we learned how a big city put them by the side of the bishops, priests,

January/February/March 2002 PENTECOST Today 5 was subject to the passing of time: 12 years old, 20 years old, 33 years old; he could grow old. The risen Jesus, no, he lives “according to the Spirit.” It is the Holy Spirit who makes “ Do you not Jesus always new. The Holy Spirit does not make new things (new sacraments, new rev- elations); he makes things new! perceive it?” The special contribution of the Char- ismatic Renewal could well be keep- ing alive the wonder of being in the presence of God.

In his letter Novo Millennio Ineunte the Pope speaks of a “new springtime” and launches the church into the new millen- nium with the bold cry, “Put out into the deep!” But then he dedicates the central part of his letter to “starting afresh from Christ” (n. 29). He invites us to contem- plate “the face of Christ”—the face of sor- row, the face of glory, the Son’s face.

The Charismatic If the new springtime is already here, what, then, depends on us? The answer is: to be- Renewal and the come aware of it. We have a beautiful word in Italian to say this: accorgersi, which means new springtime to perceive with the heart, to bring something anew into the heart (ad-cor), to become at- of the church tentive. In English you say to realize, to make something real, to conceive as real.

“Do you not perceive it?” To be able to per- ceive, this is the problem. To help others to do the same is the task. The same was true when Jesus first preached the kingdom, by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa “Blessed are the eyes that see...” (Lk. 10:23). The only problem with the light is “Do not remember the former things, nor The kingdom of God preached by Jesus is whether or not there are eyes to see; the consider the things of old. Behold, I am do- the absolutely new thing on earth. Through- only problem with music is whether or not Ding a new thing; now it springs forth, do you out all his life, and especially at the begin- there are ears to listen. not perceive it?” (Is. 43:19). The “new thing” ning of his public ministry, Jesus seems to be Isaiah had in mind was the new exodus, the proclaiming those words of Isaiah: “Do not Now the prerogative of the Charismatic Re- coming back from the exile in Babylon. But remember the former things... Behold, I am newal in its beginnings was precisely this sense these events—the exodus from Egypt and the doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do of amazement, astonishment at seeing God return from Babylon—were “new” in a rela- you not perceive it?” After Easter this “new acting among his people. The same as on the tive and provisional sense. One day there thing” has a proper name. It is no longer an day of Pentecost: “Each one was would be an absolutely “new” thing, after event but a person: Jesus, the risen Lord! bewildered...they were amazed and which there could not be other new things: astonished...and said to one another, ‘What the “new and eternal covenant” that God was But this newness has a special quality in it- is this?’” (Acts 2:6-12). You have a special going to make in the fullness of time, in self: it never becomes old, outdated. It is a word in English to express this feeling stirred “those days” (see Jer. 31:31-33). perennially new newness. The earthly Jesus by the presence of God, a word which I can-

See Perceive page 13

6 PENTECOST Today January/February/March 2002 Spiritual Formation FORGIVENESS by Dorothy Garrity Ranaghan

omputers have changed the way we as we forgive those who trespass against us.” speak and act. Keeping up with the Ouch. Our pride and our sensitivities rebel Cchanges is a constant challenge, as against that option. But forgiving those I discovered a few years ago while trying who have offended us is the key to per- to arrange for a summer course in typing sonal freedom and joy and to any possibil- for our youngest daughter. My attempt to ity of unity in the body of Christ. Yet Chris- register her for the class had me giggling tians often ignore this truth and wonder as I heard this response to my request: “I’m why they feel weighed down. Our own sins sorry, we don’t offer a ‘typing’ class in the Forgiving those who contribute to our heaviness. If our anger summer anymore; however, we do offer a have offended us is flares, we see clearly that we have made ‘keyboarding’ class—will that do?” “That the key to personal everyone in the room uncomfortable. We will be even better,” I said, and meant it. freedom and joy and to can’t just go away and later ask God to for- give us. There is a social reality at work, As one who helped with the daunting task any possibility of unity and we need to ask forgiveness of all who of typing my husband’s long doctoral dis- in the body of Christ. sertation in the dark ages before home bore the consequence of our sin. The words computers were commonplace, I remem- “I’m sorry” may stick in our throats, but ber all too well the tedious consequences of making even in saying them we restore order, peace and joy, and we lift a small mistake. Typing and typewriters involved carbon the oppressive atmosphere. paper for preserving our originals, and various forms of “white out” to correct our imperfections. Though an im- eavier still is the burden of failing to forgive those provement over parchment, quill pens and ink eradica- who have offended us or those we love. I once read tors, typing tools were nonetheless best used by those H“to forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover whose skill neared perfection. that the prisoner was you” (Lewis Smedes). Feeling bur- dened or bound up? Forgive. The world is catching on to Computers were invented for the “far from perfect” rest this truth. Recently while surfing the internet, I discov- of us. With simplicity, the backspace (delete) key stroke ered “The Apology Room of the Forgiveness Web.” It is eliminates our goofs, and the edit (undo) ability enables an anonymous forum where one can post a notice “con- us to restore wholeness to a document as we reconsider fessing” those things for which one is truly sorry. It exists and remove potentially damaging lines, paragraphs, even because the realization has dawned upon many in the aca- whole pages. The mercy in these “new-fangled” mechani- demic, psychological and political worlds that forgiveness cal restoration tools reminds me of the power of forgive- helps individuals, families and communities to restore ness and reconciliation. Typos may have been messy and healthy emotions, rebuild relationships, and establish inconvenient, but they never hurt anyone. My many sins, more peaceful communities. There is an entire “forgive- however, deeply offend God my Father and my brothers ness movement” spearheaded by the work of Elaine Glusac and sisters. The damage and its consequences would be and Robert Enright of the University of Wisconsin-Madi- permanent were it not for the mercy of God who taught son. They publish on the subject “a scientific approach to us about the delete key of forgiveness and who recon- forgiveness.” There is a Stanford Forgiveness Training Pro- ciled us to himself with the “undo” power of Jesus’ death gram in health and healing, and there are forgiveness and resurrection. groups for addiction recovery and for families of victims of murder, rape and incest. There are even global and There is one little hitch in this merciful forgiveness busi- worldwide alliances of forgiveness. ness. We can only ask our Father to “forgive us our sins ▼ www.comstock.com

January/February/March 2002 PENTECOST Today 7