Food for the Journey 

In the Catholic tradition we believe that God’s Holy Spirit is with us. The Holy Spirit especially influences our lives as we are fully initiated into our faith through the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The Holy Spirit gifts us with a number of traits that help us on our journey of life. 

Among these gifts is one called “wonder and awe”. Many Catholics will recall that this gift is sometimes referred to as “fear of the Lord”. Pope Francis reminds us that this does not mean we should be afraid or scared of God. It means that we should acknowledge “how small we are before God and of his love and that our good lies in humble, respectful and trusting self-abandonment into his hands.” 

When we experience God’s creation, in all its forms, our only response can be wonder and awe. 

Our prayer this week is the one prayed by the Bishop during the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
by water and the Holy Spirit 
you freed your sons and daughters from sin 
and gave them new life. 
Send your Holy Spirit upon them 
to be their helper and guide. 
Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, 
the spirit of right judgment and courage, 
the spirit of knowledge and reverence. 
Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. 
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

With every blessing, 

Excerpt from the The Catholic Enquiry Centre Team