Pastor's Pen - Aug. 2, 2015

This past weekend (July 24
26) a group of 25 of us (18 high
school students and 7 adults) from St. Bruno and St. Paul went to
Steubenville North at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul
Minnesota. We were joined by 1950 other people that made for a
very raucous group of “Jesus Freaks”. 

The theme for the weekend was “LIMITLESS”. This theme permeated the entire weekend and all there present  the energy of the youth, the amazing speakers, the praise and worship, the time in adoration and the abundance of reconciliations (almost 1500 of the 1950 people). Above and encompassing all this was the limitless actions of God the Holy Spirit that came “as like a
strong driving wind” encouraging, lifting, opening, nudging, and inspiring. God showed up in amazing ways- sometimes it was in the great noise of the youth yelling cheers prior to program,
sometimes it was in the sweet sound of praise and worship as those present sang their prayer to the heavens; sometimes it was in the open posture of prayer accepting the gift of the Holy Spirit
into the heart of a believer, sometimes it was through the inspiring words of incredible God
loving speakers; sometimes it was in the quiet whisper of a penitent experiencing reconciliation with
our loving God; sometimes it was in the fun of free time as the youth (and adults) blew off steam playing, dancing, talking, and running around; sometimes it was the awesome power of God
touching the very core of those present during Adoration; sometimes it was the simplicity and comfort of the Mass; sometimes it was.........

It was LIMITLESS.

Great things happened and great depths were achieved, but as with all things of God if it really has touched a life, it cannot stay within the confines of St. Thomas University or the heart of the
receiver. We cannot contain God’s love anymore than God can contain it. We receive it, we cultivate it, and we need to share it. God and God’s love are limitless. The only thing that can limit
God is our “no”. 

Thanks to all these teens (and adults) who said “yes”. Thanks to all who supported our teens with prayer or in other ways. Thanks to the chaperones who journeyed with our youth. And Thanks to God who makes all things possible.
Fr. Chuck