“There appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Sweet Jesus, I often find myself thinking about this amazing journey – reflecting on this new day you have graciously welcomed me into. This new beginning you have granted me. This new life you have graciously bestowed upon me. I am breathless, speechless; your Spirit fills me.  I am not the man I used to be. Although exteriorly, some may say I am the same.  Perhaps a little older, a little more weathered, a little slower and even a little weaker. I am definitely no longer the person I used to be for you have entered into this lowly body. You have come into my life. You have abundantly poured your Spirit and Love into my heart. You have filled me with your light. Your Spirit dwells in the core of my being. You formed me anew. You have re-created me into your image. You have conformed me to your will.  You changed my heart and I am a better person for it. You have freed me from despair.  You have brought light to my darkness. You have loved me when no one else could. You have healed my wounds. You have strengthen me in this battle.  You have made me a new creation. I am no longer the same person for now I am a Child of God, a Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Body of Christ. I am free; no longer a captive – no longer a slave to sin – no longer living in darkness but free; a Child of the Light.  I am yours O, Lord.  Consecrate me ever more deeply to your Sacred Heart, to your Holy Ministry, to your Divine Will. Please help me hear your voice, to follow your lead, to cooperate with your Spirit, to do your Holy Will.  Gracious Savior, you have saved me, renewed me, forgiven me, offered me your peace and now I am a new creation and my heart belongs to you.  Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Fr. Ivan