8th Week of Ordinary Time - Tuesday - The Holy Spirit helps us remember

Yesterday, our nation celebrated Memorial Day.  We remembered our fallen, we remembered those who gave their life for our freedom, and we rightly gave thanks to God for the immeasurable sacrifices of those who have fought for us.

On Pentecost, Pope Francis said one of the important works of the Holy Spirit is to help us remember.  Remembering is a very important dimension of Christian life.

In the moment of temptation, we tend to forget the purity and faithfulness to which we are called.  We get in serious trouble when we intentionally “forget” about God in those moments, forcing the memory of his commandments out of our mind.  Rather in that moment of temptation, we need to remember, his teaching, his presence, his commandments, our destiny.

When we come across someone who is struggling in their faith or who is without faith, we need to remember our duty to help plant the seed of the Gospel in their hearts.

Pope Francis said specifically, that the Holy Spirit helps to keep us humble, by helping us remember our faults, and lowliness. 

The Mass is part memorial, where we remember what Jesus has done for us: “we celebrate the memorial” of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension.  And the proper response to remembering what God has done for us, is thanksgiving.  It is important too at the end of the day, to remember all of the blessings of the day, the holy encounters with God, encountering Him through others, and in the carrying of our crosses, and give Him thanks.

And oftentimes like Peter in today’s Gospel, we need to recall, to remember, that “we have given up everything to follow” Jesus.  This remembering is a reorientation we need many times a day, lest we become sidetracked by unholy distractions, and forget who we are called to be this day.

It is important to cooperate with this work of the Holy Spirit to help us remember. 

May we respond generously to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit today, to remember all that the Lord has taught us, to be faithful and fruitful for the glory of god and salvation of souls.