Issues in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Yes, we do hear of problems in the charismatic renewal, at times very unfortunate problems. We ask your pardon for any offense against you personally. Our learning to be more open to the Holy Spirit does not bring us to instant maturity. Pastoral and charismatic leaders in the renewal aim to curtail and correct any such problems. But we also hear about similar problems in every other group or organization in the Church!
Don't be surprised if the problems in the charismatic renewal are emphasized as more serious, because the Powers of Darkness deeply dread Christians who are open to the discernment and power and charisms of the Holy Spirit. Consequently the demonic enemies of the Church do everything possible to turn people against the charismatic dimension of the Church established by Jesus Christ. Let's keep in mind and heart that we all need the power of the Spirit to curtail and correct each and every problem in various members of the Church! Let's work together and rely on the discernment and power of the Holy Spirit.
God's word includes some strong exhortations. However, the Spirit understands that some of us have been brought up to be reserved or have been told that charismatics are merely emotional without any spiritual joy. The Spirit also realizes that some of us presently do not have realistic experiences of God's glory and goodness and grandeur, and so we may still feel hypocritical to worship in spirit and soul and body. If we believe in the Holy Spirit, if we put ourselves into His hands, we do not say an absolute "no" to any of His leadings and gifts. The Spirit patiently and gently leads us to more joy and freedom and maturity in expressing our relationship with our awesome God. We let Him lead.
Some Christians take issue with the enthusiasm, joy and exuberant praise of charismatics as they claim that the catholic charismatic renewal is merely emotional without any spiritual joy. However, the Spirit understands that some of us have been brought up to be reserved. The Spirit also realizes that some of us presently do not have realistic experiences of God's glory and goodness and grandeur, and so we may feel pretending to be bodily enthusiastic. The Spirit patiently and gently leads us to more joy and freedom and maturity in expressing our relationship with our awesome God, even if we do not clap and raise our arms. The psalms occasionally encourage joyful and enthusiastic shouts of praise and worship of our Glorious God.
