Power of the Holy Spirit

[StTherese]

Just wanted to share this with you all...
I went to confession this past weekend and as the priest began giving me absolution, I felt an overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit. I haven't ever felt this before. It was as if I were in a trance and I didn't want to wake up. I had to force myself to stand up and leave the confessional, it was so amazing. At that moment, I had a greater knowledge of God's gift and involvement in the sacraments. That the priest, in the person of Jesus Christ is given the power to forgive sins by the Holy Spirit. I felt that I already knew and believed this before, but now it is even more clear to me.
After confession, I went to Mass and as I looked at the statue of Mary, I thought of how it was that the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and through her "yes" brought forth Jesus Christ, our salvation. As I looked at our priest, I began to realize how Mary and the Church are similar, in that through the "yes" of our priests who are called by God and the power of the Holy Spirit, the priest is able to bring forth Jesus Christ (in the consecration of the Eucharist) for the salvation of the world.

Thanks be to God for Mary and the Church!
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, whose power is Love!

[Peaceful Dove]

What a lovely revelation you received.
Our God is such an awesome God.

[Father Rick]

Since I didn't grow up Catholic, I can still clearly remember going to confession the first time (as an adult).

I wasn't sure what to expect... but as I sat there with my eyes closed making an act of contrition, I heard the priest begin to pronounce absolution. As he did so (even though I couldn't see him), I could tell exactly where his hand was as he raised it towards me-- as it felt like someone had turned on a hair dryer. It was like an intense, warm wind were blowing over me. At the time, I didn't know that he would make the sign of the cross over me-- but I could tell that is what he did, because I could feel where the "wind" was coming from as his hand moved. I'll never forget that moment.

And, when I'm the one pronouncing absolution, I silently pray that the penitent will have an equally amazing recognition of the reality of His presence in the sacrament.

[StTherese]

Since I didn't grow up Catholic, I can still clearly remember going to confession the first time (as an adult).

I wasn't sure what to expect... but as I sat there with my eyes closed making an act of contrition, I heard the priest begin to pronounce absolution. As he did so (even though I couldn't see him), I could tell exactly where his hand was as he raised it towards me-- as it felt like someone had turned on a hair dryer. It was like an intense, warm wind were blowing over me. At the time, I didn't know that he would make the sign of the cross over me-- but I could tell that is what he did, because I could feel where the "wind" was coming from as his hand moved. I'll never forget that moment.

And, when I'm the one pronouncing absolution, I silently pray that the penitent will have an equally amazing recognition of the reality of His presence in the sacrament.
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing that!

I am beginning to learn though, that I have this desire for consolations and "experiences" with God. But, God is as equally present in the absence of those things and I am trying not to desire to experience Him with my senses and strive instead to "experience" Him in my soul!

[MoNiCa4316]

wow that is amazing!!!! thank you for sharing your experience :hug::hug:

God bless!

[MoNiCa4316]

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing that!

I am beginning to learn though, that I have this desire for consolations and "experiences" with God. But, God is as equally present in the absence of those things and I am trying not to desire to experience Him with my senses and strive instead to "experience" Him in my soul!

I can really relate to this :) and that is very true, He is always present..

[plmarquette]

Mark 16.20 God confirms His Words with signs following ....

what some call being overcome by ; slain in the spirit ; the anointing (as when Jesus was baptized by John); the tongues of fire in upper room ; an epiphany ...

a close encounter of the God kind ...

amen ... cool isn't it