Open Reflections

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New archaeological discovery

Byzantine mosaics dating from the 5th century A.D. were discovered in central Syria, near the city of Hama,  in very good condition.

Sources make mention of 540m2!

On the right, one may see one of the floor mosaics just discovered.

The peacock is a symbol of paradise and of eternal life in  the early Christian art.

It is encouraging to reaffirm our historical roots, either national or spiritual.

The Christian Orient does not cease to surprise and dazzle us by its religious riches.

At the times of Christ, Palestine was part of the Roman province of Syria with Antioch as its capital.

Soon after Pentecost and the ensuing persecutions against the Church in Jerusalem, Peter went to stay and preach the Gospel in Antioch.

From Antioch, also, did Paul begin his missionary travels.

 

 

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

 

Heavenly King,

Consoler,

The Spirit of Truth,

Present in all places

And

Filling all things,

The treasury of blessings

And  the Giver of life:

Come

And

Dwell in us,

Cleanse us of all stain

And

Save our souls,

O Good One!

(A very well known and popular prayer in the Christian East)

 

The Spirit: The First Gift

The prayer we make to the Holy Spirit is for the grace to receive his unity a glance that, leaving personal preferences aside, embraces and loves his Church, our Church.

It is to accept responsibility for unity among all, to wipe out the gossip that sows the darnel of discord and the poison of envy, since to be men and women of the Church means being men and women of communion.

It is also to ask for a heart that feels that the Church is our Mother and our home, an open and welcoming home where the manifold joy of the Holy Spirit is shared.

The Spirit is the first gift of the risen Lord, and is given above all for the forgiveness of sins.

Here we see the beginning of the Church, the glue that holds us together, the cement that binds the bricks of the house: forgiveness.

Because forgiveness is gift to the highest degree; it is the greatest love of all.  It preserves unity despite everything, prevents collapse, and consolidates and strengthens.

Forgiveness sets our hearts free and enables us to start afresh.  Forgiveness gives hope; without forgiveness, the Church is not built up.

(Pope Francis, Pentecost 2017)

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