The Third Glorious Mystery // The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Fruit of the Mystery // Wisdom + Love of God
Reflect
As a former youth minister, I have witnessed thousands of teenagers receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. So when I became a college campus minister, I wasn’t expecting anything out of the norm on Easter Vigil when over twenty college students entered the Church. Uproarious joy, clapping, and hymns were audible after each catechumen was baptized.
When it came time for our pastor to confirm the newly baptized, he handed them each a white towel. I wasn’t sure what the towel was for since they were already dry after their baptism. It was then I saw Father pour sacred chrism in their hair and trace their forehead with a large Sign of the Cross.
You could smell the chrism in the back row of the Church more fragrantly than the incense used during the Alleluia! It was the most abundant outpouring of love I have seen in a Sacrament outside a priest laying prostrate on their ordination day. I immediately welled up in tears.
The wisdom and love of God are abundant, sisters, meant to overwhelm our senses and awakening us to the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that reside within us. At Pentecost, the Holy Trinity is fully revealed (CCC 732) allowing the Holy Spirit to transform fearful Apostles into fearless martyrs. How? They abundantly received the fullness of God’s wisdom and love and shared it lavishly, not holding anything back, including their lives.
As you pray the Third Glorious Mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, I invite you to reflect on God’s abundant wisdom and love. It is a love that will never be satisfied this side of heaven; wisdom that might appear foolish to a non-believer. In order to obtain the Fruit of this Mystery—the wisdom and love of God—we must abundantly receive everything God wants to lavish on us. Hold nothing back, including your life.
Let Us Pray
Come, Holy Spirit, come. Lavishly anoint us from within. As the fire burning within us warms our hearts and souls, permeate the air with the sweet fragrance of chrism. Make visible through our words and action the indelible seal from our Baptism and Confirmation. Amen.
For Discussion
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (CCC 736). Which fruit is most visible in how you live your life? Which fruit needs a little fertilizer to grow?
The Holy Spirit transformed fearful Apostles into fearless martyrs. Which Gift of the Holy Spirit do you need present in your life to be more fearless in living out your faith: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, or fear of the Lord?
Praying the Rosary
Throughout the Prayer Pledge and beyond, we really encourage you to pray the Rosary! Since we will be looking at the fruits of the Mysteries of the Rosary, it only makes sense to actually pray it!
Here is a guide on how to pray the Rosary.
I like this podcast and this podcast for praying the Rosary.
Hallow also has a marvelous Rosary meditation.
And if you want to go even deeper in to the Rosary, check out Mystery!
By Their Fruits: The 2021 Prayer Pledge // Day 27 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Tricia Tembreull is a seasoned ministry professional dedicated to guiding young hearts toward spiritual growth, healing, and the love of Christ. With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Tricia has served in various roles, including as a youth minister, college campus ministry at USC Caruso Catholic Center, and Regional Director for Life Teen International. As a devotions writer for Blessed Is She, she shares scripture reflections that resonate deeply with women of faith. Recognized as a compelling Catholic speaker, Tricia challenges audiences to embrace their faith with authenticity. Additionally, as a spiritual director, she provides compassionate support to those seeking deeper connections with God. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange, Tricia continues to inspire young adults to embrace their faith journey with zeal and purpose, embodying a commitment to spreading the gospel while fostering communities of love.
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