A great big THANK YOU for all those who participated in last evening’s very successful Webinar on my new book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ!
Congratulations to our trivia contest winner, Betty Kuvinka! She was selected at random from a pool of participants who answered the following question correctly: On Pentecost, what time of day did Peter say it was when he denied that the Apostles had been drinking? The correct answer is 9:00 am! (Acts of the Apostles 2:15) The Apostles were indeed “under the influence” – not of alcohol but of Jesus! I will be sending Betty a signed copy of my book!
Here are some comments and questions from participants:
- How do you know if you are inebriated by the Holy Spirit? What about someone who suffers from depression and anxiety or other mental illness. Can’t a desire to be close to God just be enough? (Stephen F.) Answer: Great question! This inebriation is not a feeling of euphoria. It is a transformation of the heart that is manifested in the Fruits of the Holy Spirit that we discussed in the Webinar. While a challenge, these Fruits are not out of reach for those suffering depression, anxiety, or other mental illness. That desire to be close to God is most certainly part of the sober intoxication of the Holy Spirit!
- I attended a Charismatic conference and encountered Jesus. (Connie O.)
- Yes it is true that society seems to be full of things to frighten us…about our faith, our children, grandchildren…almost making us forget to whom we owe our trust…. (Patricia R.)
- How do we help people grab on to this peace/serenity? (Joe K.) Answer: Of course we can’t make people grab on to it…all we can do is make it available to them on a consistent basis. Those who are seeking such peace and serenity will be drawn to it. We can help them by our reassuring presence and simple words of comfort and solace.
- I love that you are using the term of being inebriated in a positive sense, similar to being “drunk in love”, especially since it pertains to how we should feel with our love for the Lord. (Deanna P.)
- I agree that the side affect of my faith, of my relationship with Jesus…is the peace and serenity that I can find. When I feel afraid or worried…if I stop and pray I am transformed- and a sense of peace does come over me… (Jane K.)
- How would you say that the Catholic understanding of a relationship with Jesus differs from a protestant understanding of the personal relationship with Jesus? (Lori C.) Answer: Another great question! In some sense, there is no difference however I would say that for a Catholic, that “personal” relationship with Jesus is experienced and nurtured in community, not in an individual “me and God” sense. It is more of a “we and God” experience!
- This is far more helpful than I thought….will we be able to access the audio even after the conference? (Carmel F.) Answer: Yes, a recording will be available here on my blog in just a few days!
- My mom just took a trip to Mexico, and she prayed the rosary just like Nick’s grandfather did, I think it is great… (Maria R.)
- Our grandkids certainly teach us lightness of being! Yesterday I got a pic of a little grandaughter sporting cowboy boots and a shirt -period. Totally open and uninhibited!!! (Pat M)
- I love the comment “when our will and the will of God coincide” (Rita G.)
More to come…
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