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[prismaticbleed]

(wof post)

I must thank you most sincerely for the closing remarks concerning the distinction between feelings & facts, in regards to the Presence of the Holy Spirit in one baptized. As a confirmed Catholic who struggles with spiritual desolation &/or emotional numbness, greatly exacerbated by mental illness, I have assumed for many years that I just "didn't have the Spirit". It drove me to despair of ever being a "real Christian."
But the Sacrament is efficacious because the Spirit is promised, Present by God's loving grace and not my compromised perception. He is with me, whether I have recognized Him or not. And that is the light that went on for me, hearing this talk-- that The Holy Spirit is LOVE. Love isn't a feeling. Love is a choice, selfless & free, enabled by grace. God IS Love, and so if I can somehow love God and humankind despite getting no "happy return" on it-- then that is the Spirit glorifying Himself, and proving that He IS within me. This striking revelation that Love CAN exist even during emotional distress
God is teaching me to serve Him for His sake alone... not for the sake of feelings, not for any consolation, but for love of Him despite all anhedonic trial.
That is a true gift, a humbling privilege I must treasure now that I recognize it.
Thank you for this enlightening hope. God bless you Bishop Barron.

These few words, reassuring me that has sparked a new light in me. I am not forsaken...
As long as I can choose to love Him and humankind, I have hope. The Spirit must be present.