Embracing Transformation Through Remembrance and the Holy Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: Holding Fast to God’s Word Transforms Our Lives

To hold on to God’s word is not simply to possess a Bible or to know its contents, but to allow the word of God to shape every aspect of our lives—our words, our thoughts, and our actions. This means letting God’s commands and guidance direct us, even when it is difficult to deny ourselves, love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us, or act with generosity and self-control. The call is to let the word of God possess us so deeply that it becomes the foundation for how we live each day, overcoming the pull of self-centeredness and the ways of the world. [27:56]

John 14:23-26 (ESV)
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to let God’s word guide your actions? How can you intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to help you live out God’s word in that area today?

Day 2: The Holy Spirit Changes the Way We Think, Speak, and Act

The Holy Spirit is not just a distant force but the very presence of God who comes to transform us from within. Throughout history, the Spirit has guided the Church through division and confusion, leading believers to new understanding and unity. The Spirit’s work is to change our minds, soften our hearts, and empower us to act in ways that reflect God’s will, even when it goes against our natural inclinations or the prevailing culture. When we yield to the Spirit, we are changed—our thinking, our speech, and our actions become more like Christ’s. [33:30]

Acts 15:7-9 (ESV)
And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.”

Reflection: In what situation do you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to think, speak, or act differently than you naturally would? What step can you take today to respond to that prompting?

Day 3: Selfless Love and Heroism Reflect Christ’s Call

True heroism is not just found on the battlefield but in the daily acts of self-denial and selfless love to which every Christian is called. The story of Michael Crescens reminds us that authentic Christian living means putting others before ourselves, even when it is difficult or dangerous. This selflessness is the path of the saints and the way of Christ, who calls us to live not for our own comfort or safety, but for the glory of God and the good of others. [26:10]

Philippians 2:3-5 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Who is someone you can serve or put before yourself today, even in a small way? What would it look like to choose selflessness in your interactions with them?

Day 4: The Spirit Calls Us Beyond the World’s Thinking

God’s Spirit often leads us in ways that challenge the prevailing wisdom of the world. Whether in the early Church’s debates, the Church’s teachings on difficult issues, or the call to stewardship of creation, the Holy Spirit invites us to think and act differently—not just following the crowd, but seeking what is truly good and virtuous. This means being open to God’s guidance, even when it is countercultural or uncomfortable, trusting that God’s ways lead to life and blessing. [34:35]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: Where do you feel pressure to go along with the world’s way of thinking or acting? How can you seek the Spirit’s guidance to choose God’s way instead today?

Day 5: Yielding to the Spirit Wins the Crown of Glory

While we may never receive earthly honors, the true reward for those who yield to the Spirit and follow God’s leading is the crown of glory that God promises. When we allow the Spirit to guide our thoughts, words, and actions, we become more like Christ and participate in God’s work in the world. The invitation is to trust that God’s Spirit is at work in us, leading us toward holiness and eternal life, and to respond with faith and courage each day. [35:36]

James 1:12 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Reflection: What is one area where you need to persevere in following the Spirit’s leading, even when it is hard? How can you remind yourself of God’s promise of eternal reward as you press on today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a parish family to remember, to give thanks, and to open ourselves anew to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. On this beautiful Sunday, we began by recalling our baptism, asking God to bless the water that reminds us of our new life in Christ and our call to faithfulness. As we approach Memorial Day, we reflected on the true meaning of remembrance—not just recalling good times or names on plaques, but honoring the real sacrifices made by individuals like Michael Crescens, a local young man who gave his life in Vietnam. His story of selfless courage challenges us to move beyond self-preservation and to live for others, echoing the call of Christ to self-denial and sacrificial love.

Jesus’ words in the Gospel, “Hold on to my word,” invite us to let God’s word shape every aspect of our lives—not just as something we possess, but as something that possesses us. This is not easy. The Christian life demands forgiveness, generosity, kindness, and self-control, all of which go against our natural inclinations. But Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, who teaches, guides, and empowers us to live out this calling.

We see throughout history how the Holy Spirit has led the Church through division and change. From the early debates in Acts about Gentile inclusion, to the formation of the creeds, to modern questions about morality and stewardship, the Spirit has continually challenged the Church to think and act differently from the world. Whether it was Peter changing his mind about Gentile believers, Sister Sarah Butler’s journey regarding women’s ordination, or Pope Francis’ call to care for creation, the Spirit’s work is to transform hearts and minds, often in ways that defy cultural expectations.

The invitation is to yield to the Spirit, allowing God to change the way we think, speak, and act. We may never be recognized as heroes by the world, but if we follow the Spirit’s lead, we will receive the crown of glory. As we enter the novena to the Holy Spirit, let us pray for openness to this transforming power, so that we may truly hold fast to God’s word and live it each day.

Key Takeaways

1. True remembrance honors real sacrifice. Remembering is not just about recalling names or events, but about letting the stories of those who gave everything—like Michael Crescens—move us to gratitude and inspire us to live selflessly. Their courage calls us to examine our own willingness to put others before ourselves, even when it is costly. [23:06]
2. The Christian life is a call to self-denial and transformation. Jesus’ command to “hold on to my word” means letting God’s word shape our thoughts, words, and actions, even when it goes against our natural desires. This is a daily challenge that requires humility and perseverance, as we seek to love, forgive, and serve beyond our comfort zones. [27:56]
3. The Holy Spirit leads us through division and change. From the earliest days of the Church, the Spirit has guided believers through difficult debates and disagreements, often leading to unexpected outcomes. Openness to the Spirit means being willing to change our minds and hearts, even when it means letting go of long-held assumptions or cultural norms. [31:05]
4. Authentic Christian witness often defies the world’s logic. Whether it’s the Church’s teaching on life, stewardship, or ordination, the Spirit calls us to a way of thinking and living that may seem foolish or even offensive to the world. Faithfulness sometimes means standing apart from prevailing trends, trusting that God’s wisdom is greater than human wisdom. [34:35]
5. Yielding to the Spirit brings true glory. While the world may celebrate visible heroism, the Spirit invites us to a deeper, often hidden, heroism—one that is marked by daily faithfulness, humility, and love. If we allow the Spirit to transform us, we may not win medals, but we will receive the eternal crown that God promises to those who love Him. [35:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Blessing of Water and Renewal of Baptism
[11:17] - Opening Prayer and Remembering Memorial Day
[23:06] - The Story of Michael Crescens
[24:51] - Medal of Honor Citation and Reflection
[26:10] - Selflessness: From War Heroes to Saints
[27:56] - Holding on to God’s Word
[29:30] - The Holy Spirit and the Novena
[30:07] - Early Church Divisions and the Spirit’s Guidance
[31:05] - Changing Minds: Peter, Paul, and the Council
[32:12] - Modern Church Debates and the Spirit’s Work
[34:35] - Stewardship of Creation and Pope Francis
[35:36] - Yielding to the Spirit and the Crown of Glory
[37:47] - Profession of Faith and Prayers
[46:17] - Eucharistic Prayer and Consecration
[51:37] - The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing
[62:10] - Announcements and Closing Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 14:23-26 — Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

2. Acts 15:1-11, 28-29
(The Council at Jerusalem, where the early church debates whether Gentile believers must follow Jewish law, and the Holy Spirit guides the decision.)

Observation Questions

In John 14:23-26, what does Jesus promise to those who love Him and keep His word?
According to the sermon, what does it mean to “hold on to my word” as Jesus says in the Gospel? [[27:56]]
What was the main issue that divided the early church in Acts 15, and how was it resolved? [[30:07]]
The sermon shared the story of Michael Crescens. What specific actions did he take that made his sacrifice memorable? [[24:51]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus connect loving Him with obeying His teaching? What does this say about the relationship between faith and action?
The sermon says that “holding on to God’s word” is not just about having a Bible, but letting God’s word possess us. What might this look like in daily life? [[27:56]]
In the story of the early church’s debate (Acts 15), what does it show about how the Holy Spirit works in times of disagreement or change? [[31:05]]
The story of Michael Crescens was used as an example of selfless courage. How does his story challenge the way we usually think about self-preservation and sacrifice? [[26:10]]

Application Questions

The sermon says true remembrance is more than recalling names—it’s letting stories of sacrifice move us to gratitude and inspire us to live selflessly. Is there someone whose sacrifice has shaped your life? How can you honor their memory in a practical way this week? [[23:06]]
Jesus calls us to self-denial and sacrificial love, which goes against our natural desires. What is one area of your life where you struggle to put others before yourself? What small step could you take to practice self-denial this week? [[27:56]]
The Holy Spirit led the early church through division and change, sometimes requiring people to change their minds. Is there a belief or habit you hold that you sense God might be asking you to reconsider? How can you be more open to the Spirit’s guidance? [[31:05]]
The sermon mentioned that authentic Christian witness often defies the world’s logic. Can you think of a time when following Jesus made you stand out or seem “different” from those around you? How did you respond? [[34:35]]
Yielding to the Spirit brings true glory, even if it’s hidden from the world. What does “hidden heroism” look like in your everyday life? Is there a way you can practice faithfulness or humility this week that no one else will see? [[35:36]]
The novena to the Holy Spirit is a time to pray for openness to God’s transforming power. What is one area where you want the Holy Spirit to change the way you think, speak, or act? Will you commit to praying about this during the coming week? [[29:30]]
The sermon gave examples of the Church being challenged to think and act differently from the world (like stewardship of creation or forgiveness). Is there a teaching of the Church that you find hard to accept or live out? What would it look like to trust the Spirit in that area? [[34:35]]

Sermon Clips

Let's remember what we remember. Because Memorial Day is not about remembering a great weekend at the Jersey Shore, right? It's not about remembering the best grilled hot dog you ever had, which I can remember, right? But rather, remembering those who gave their lives in service to our nation. Because freedom isn't free. [00:22:39] (26 seconds)

In our gospel that Decompath just read, Jesus has this simple yet profound line to us. He says, hold on to my word. Hold on to my word. Doesn't just mean that we should hold a Bible in our hand, or we should have one in our house, but rather, that the word of God should in fact possess us. [00:27:41] (25 seconds)

That the word of God should guide our words, our thoughts, our actions, as we overcome self, as we overcome the thinking of the world, and we are people of the book. That God's word, God's commands, God's instruction, God's guidance, are what lead us each day of our lives. And as we know, if we've tried to do this, it is not easy. Amen? [00:28:06] (31 seconds)

It's tough to deny ourself. It's tough to love the enemy. It's tough to forgive those who hurt us. It's tough to be generous. It's tough to be kind. It's tough to have self -control, which is why Jesus says to us, to make this possible, I'm going to give you the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will teach you all these things. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen? [00:28:36] (30 seconds)

God, give us your Holy Spirit to change me. To change me. Right? We witness in a minute the Holy Spirit come down upon the altar and change bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus. That same Holy Spirit wants to do something else. Change the way we think. Change the way we speak. Change the way we act. That's the power. That's the power of this Spirit that God sends us. [00:29:27] (28 seconds)

Peter, the first pope, changes his mind. He changes his mind. He says, okay, God has spoken. God has moved in us. The way I was thinking, I was wrong. I was thinking as a human. God has another plan. [00:31:05] (16 seconds)

And friends, if we can really yield to God's Spirit, if we can really yield to the movement of where God is leading us in our thought, and in our words, and in our actions, we may never win the Medal of Honor, but we will win the crown of glory. Amen. [00:36:01] (27 seconds)

Gracious God, send us your spirit, that we may hold fast to your word, and live it each day. Through Christ, who is Lord, forever and ever. Amen. [00:42:06] (15 seconds)

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