Some Highlights of Talks given by Fr. John Crossin, OSFS
Day of Recollection – October 9, 2010

First Talk – Everyday Virtues and the Holy Spirit

• Let God call you higher – humility and gratefulness for blessings received is very important – Salesian optimism transforms the understanding of humility – can learn a lot if you take the last place (Gospel passage, “Friend, come up higher.”)  Called to constant conversion – today we see people distancing themselves from others – cf. philosopher Charles Taylor, A Secular Age
• Many definitions of spirituality today – one of these sees spirituality as the Holy Spirit at work in people and culture; includes the following elements:  relation to tradition (in our case, Catholic), memory of Christ, current events, action, contemplation, charism, community, practice

Key point:  Holy Spirit speaks to us through others: We grow in virtues related to our call; presence and incarnation of virtues in others in our group encourages us

• Contemplation – God reaches out and grasps you – it is something you are invited into
• Discernment needed – no snap decisions – we must pray before and during our actions - Where do I put my time and talent? What should I say? How should I act?  The Holy Spirit opens us up so we become free to choose good – Holy Spirit heals life’s deepest hurts – Discernment steps:

1. Look at the facts – investigate reality as it is, not as you would like it to be
2. Look at interior states – which alternative gives you inner peace and joy?
3. Look at obstacles – fear is the biggest one
4. Ask for guidance of the Holy Spirit and spiritual friends
5. Make a decision within a certain time period – can’t procrastinate indefinitely

• Other observations

1. Discernment must be done in a spirit of humility
2. Lack of inner peace is a sign the Holy Spirit is not present
3. Anxiety can spoil the very things we are trying to do
4. We can become frenetic and try to do too much
5. When we are at peace we can bring peace to others

• Trajectory of the spiritual journey

1. Give up sin and affection for sin (very important) – replace that with love for the good
2. Come to greater balance – being someone rather than having stuff – put first things first
3. Give everything to God – see everything in light of love of God/neighbor – pray always

Talk 2 – The Healing Power of the Holy Spirit in the Church and Culture

• Theologian Yves Congar wrote about mutuality and communion
• Key point of this talk:  Personal sanctification is inseparable from the Church community – we become most ourselves in relationships – our gifts are for others in a specific place and time
• Fr. Fiorelli’s 1989 article – the Holy Spirit inspires believers and non-believers alike – we are engaged in the search for truth wherever it can be found (cf. St. Thomas Aquinas)
• Focolare movement – spirituality of unity – founded in Trent, northern Italy, in 1943 - foundress, Chiara Lubich, emphasized seeing Jesus suffering in every person you meet – God is Love (see organization’s website for more information – Focolare means “hearth” or “family fireside” Think about our Salesian group meetings – a community of love – what we’re really about!
• Personal healing takes place within a community – acknowledging  truth of the past is basis of reconciliation and peace-building (example set by Pope John Paul II)
• Evangelization comes out of our own sense of gratitude – we must listen to others first
• Dryness in prayer – may be an obstacle within, conscious or unconscious – may be prejudice, past sins, hurts, clinging to something too much