It hasn’t even been 3 days, and I remember it so clearly.
I came across two Catholic women having a discussion about charismatic communities…
"I'm not for it. It's too much. Where do they even lead us, throwing 'knowledge' about gifts here and there, and 'speaking in tongues'. What are they even saying?"
"Yes! And 'healing'... the only healing that truly fulfills is through the sacrament of Confession. I understand some people might need emotional help and are experiencing a lot of brokenness that they just might need the company, but it's pointless without the Sacrament of Reconciliation."
Being a part of a charismatic community, myself, I felt a stir to say something. But I prayed for patience to not speak with aggression, but with love and truth. I jumped in and said,
"You know, there are a lot of things we can say, but at the end of it all, God reminds us that we determine the true gifts of the Holy Spirit by its fruits. I agree, sometimes, it isn't always directed in the 'right' way, or brought up to its fullest potential, but the importance of community is that we are surrounded by people who could help guide those gifts to their full potential, in works with the Church."
They nodded, then said, “That’s true…” and stopped talking.
I don’t necessarily know if it’s because they agree, but their minutes of silence and nodding, and sudden change of topic encouraged me to believe that it left them with something to think about. To be honest, charismatic communities really won’t be for EVERYBODY. One thing I learned from the encounter, however, is this:
Sometimes, although we want to stand for the Truth. It isn’t always what we end up doing. As St. Paul says in Romans 7: 14-15, “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” But the Voice of Truth is what triggers the change.
Time and time again, I have thought it was something someone would say, or something I would say to someone. But having experienced what I did, I’ve come to also realize that the Voice of Truth can also be an action, or even a thought or the way of approach. It is how we allow God to use His Spirit in us in every thought, word, and action.
The voice of Truth is how we allow God to transform our passions and emotions into a gift to those around us.
When we can do this (through an increase of knowledge AND experience), then like those who encountered the disciples, they will see the Truth and be encouraged to do the same for others, whether it be through a charismatic community, acts of kindness, or in whatever way they may be personally called to love. At the end of the day, the voice of Truth, after all, IS God, and God alone. And the fruits? Quite simply, it is nothing less than ‘the good stuff’. Haha.
May God be praised!
TOTUS TUUS.