Each week I send a short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Read: On 25 November, we commemorate St. Gregory the Theologian (c. 329–390) who was a dear friend to St. Basil the Great. This is what he writes in paragraph 29 of the Fifth Theological Oration (Oration 31), often called "On the Holy Spirit." " Indeed, I tremble when I think of the abundance of the titles [of the Holy Spirit] ... Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ, Mind of Christ, Spirit of The Lord,...

Blessed is the one who has Tasted the cup of the Master— Rejected, lied to, Cursed and spat upon. Blessed is the one who Falls down in trembling gratitude as a Sharer in those sufferings. Blessed is the one whose wounds have become A window through which Divine light pours forth into others. Blessed is the one whose Tears have plenteously watered the Seeds of compassion. Blessed is the one whose Scars speak sermons No words could preach. Blessed is the one who Serves not despite his...

For 33 years, Christ walked upon this earth All the way up to Golgotha Beaten, broken, and bloodied High atop a cross. For 33 months, Someone I know has been carrying a cross Down a treacherous path they did not choose. It's been a slow crucifixion made with the kinds of Nails and thorns you don't expect from familiar hands. But evil won't get its way in the end. After 33 years, Christ's tomb did not have the final word. In a similar way I ask and I implore ... That during these next 33 days,...