In the conclusion of Holy Spirit Activate, Fr. David Dodd, TOR, brings it all together with a powerful reflection on the gift and presence of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Scripture, Church teaching, and the Catechism’s affirmation that Confirmation perpetuates the grace of Pentecost, Fr. David challenges listeners to awaken to the reality that the same Spirit who transformed the apostles lives within us today.

This episode highlights what it means to be an ambassador for Christ, a tabernacle of His presence, and a light in a world that desperately needs warmth, clarity, and hope. Fr. David weaves together themes from throughout the series—charisms, spiritual authority, the mission of the Church—and ends with a moving prayer of commissioning, encouraging every listener to go forth boldly, empowered by the Spirit.

This is more than a conclusion—it’s a call to action. The Church isn't waiting on God. God is waiting on His Church. Will you say yes?

In this episode of Holy Spirit Activate, Fr. David Dodd, TOR, reflects on the gift of wisdom—the first charism listed by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. Unlike human intellect or clever strategy, this wisdom is a supernatural gift that enables believers to see situations from God's higher perspective. It’s not just about knowledge; it’s about direction, discernment, and divine insight.

Fr. David explores the biblical foundation of wisdom, drawing from St. Paul’s letters, the life of Daniel, and the witness of the early Church. He unpacks how wisdom often accompanies prophecy, serving as God's guidance for how His plans are fulfilled in our lives and communities. Through personal stories and practical examples, he challenges listeners to believe that divine wisdom is not just for saints or scholars, but for anyone open to being used by God—especially in the face of modern challenges.

With heartfelt encouragement, Fr. David calls believers to pray for wisdom, recognize their spiritual influence, and bring heavenly solutions to earthly problems—all for the glory of God and the building of His kingdom.

In this episode of Holy Spirit Activate, Fr. David Dodd, TOR, explores the often overlooked gift of the interpretation of tongues. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 14, Fr. David unpacks the distinction between private prayer in tongues and public messages in tongues—clarifying how the gift of interpretation functions not as a literal translation, but as a Spirit-led understanding of what God is communicating through a supernatural utterance.

Though speaking candidly about his limited personal experience with this particular gift, Fr. David humbly encourages listeners to pursue it, emphasizing that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are meant to build up the Church. He reflects on how the interpretation of tongues, like music or poetry, conveys meaning beyond words, touching hearts and inviting deeper communion with God.

This episode is both a gentle teaching and an invitation to explore more of what Scripture offers. Fr. David encourages all believers to grow in hunger for the Spirit’s work and to take a fresh look at 1 Corinthians 14 with open hearts and expectant faith.

In this episode of Holy Spirit Activate, Fr. David Dodd, TOR, explores one of the most misunderstood and deeply personal charisms of the Holy Spirit—the gift of tongues. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12, Church tradition, and teachings from the saints, Fr. David clarifies what this gift truly is: speech inspired by the Holy Spirit in a language unknown to the speaker, given primarily as a means of praise and personal edification.

With humility and joy, Fr. David unpacks common misconceptions about tongues, shares personal experiences, and highlights testimonies from saints like St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and St. Teresa of Avila. He emphasizes that this gift is not about spectacle or confusion but about a childlike surrender to the Spirit, especially when human language falls short of expressing the depth of love and gratitude for God.

Whether you're skeptical or curious, this episode offers a thoughtful and pastoral perspective on the gift of tongues—inviting listeners to consider what it might mean to praise God beyond words, and to grow in trust, humility, and intimacy with the Lord.

In this conversation, Fr. David Dodd explores the profound nature of prayer, emphasizing the importance of understanding how to pray rather than just what to pray. He delves into the teachings of the catechism, the example of Jesus, and the intercessory role of figures like Abraham, highlighting the intimate relationship believers can have with God. The discussion encourages listeners to recognize their inherent communion with God and to approach prayer as a natural and vital part of their spiritual lives.

Takeaways

We are often taught what to pray, but not how to pray.

Prayer is a living relationship with God, not just vocal recitation.

The catechism provides deep insights into the nature of prayer.

Jesus invites us into a relationship with the Father through prayer.

Our desire to pray is already a response to God's desire for us.

Prayer is more valuable than oxygen; it sustains our spiritual life.

Intercession is a powerful act of compassion and communion with God.

Jesus' prayer life serves as a model for our own.

God is always attentive to our prayers; we need to ask with confidence.

The essence of prayer is to live in communion with God.

Sound bites

"You already have God's attention."

"God is good beyond measure."

"Jesus teaches us how to pray."

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Prayer: A Call to Deeper Connection

09:57 Understanding Jesus' Prayer: A Model for Us

18:20 Intercession and Compassion: Abraham's Example

27:56 Living in Communion: The Heart of Prayer

In this episode of Holy Spirit Activate, Fr. David Dodd, TOR, unpacks the gift of discernment of spirits, as mentioned by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. This powerful charism enables believers to perceive the spiritual influences behind thoughts, emotions, situations, or people—whether they come from God, the enemy, or our own fallen human nature.

Fr. David reflects on the rich tradition of discernment in the Church, especially through the insights of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and draws on personal experiences and examples from Scripture to illustrate how this gift operates in real life. From the "Peter tingle" of Spider-Man to the reality of angels and saints, he invites listeners to grow in spiritual awareness and sensitivity to the invisible yet active presence of both good and evil spirits.

This episode is both a practical guide and an invitation to deeper communion with the Holy Spirit. With openness and humility, Fr. David encourages listeners to renounce what does not belong in heaven and to welcome the peace, joy, and love of the Holy Spirit into their daily lives.

In this episode of Holy Spirit Activate, Fr. David Dodd, TOR, leads a powerful reflection on the gift of miracles, as listed by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. Fr. David explores how miracles differ from healings and how they serve as visible signs of God’s power and presence—acts that only God can accomplish, often in ways that defy natural explanation.

Through compelling testimonies and deep scriptural insight, Fr. David highlights how miracles still happen today: from restored hearing to creative miracles that defy medical expectations. Emphasizing the role of faith, testimony, and the authority believers carry as ambassadors of Christ, this episode challenges listeners to trust that God still desires to reveal His glory through His people.

Whether through acts of provision, physical restoration, or impossible breakthroughs, miracles remind us that heaven is meant to touch earth—and God delights in showing up when we show up in faith.

Conclusion to the series on fruits of the Holy Spirit.

In the Eucharist we receive the Incarnate Love of God to continue God's incarnate presence on the earth.

Episode 5

In this episode of Holy Spirit Activate, Fr. David Dodd, TOR, reflects on the charism of healing as described in 1 Corinthians 12. Drawing from Scripture, Church teaching, and personal experience, Fr. David unpacks how healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—is a sign of the Savior’s presence among His people.

Referencing the book of Sirach and the ministry of Jesus, Fr. David emphasizes that all healing ultimately flows from God. Whether through the sacraments, the hands of physicians, or the prayer of the faithful, God’s desire to restore and renew His people remains the same. This episode also explores the Church’s sacramental tradition of anointing the sick, reminding us that the healer still walks among us—through His body, the Church.

With humility and encouragement, Fr. David invites listeners to participate in this gift by praying boldly, trusting in God's timing, and recognizing the profound ways He continues to make all things new.

In this episode of Holy Spirit Activate, Fr. David Dodd, TOR, explores the gift of the Word of Knowledge—a powerful charism of the Holy Spirit that reveals how deeply God knows and loves us. Drawing from Scripture and real-life encounters, Fr. David explains how this gift allows believers to speak truth into the lives of others by revealing what matters to God from their past and present.

Through the examples of Jesus with Nathaniel and the Samaritan woman, we see how the Word of Knowledge opens hearts to faith and invites people into a personal encounter with Christ. Fr. David also shares practical insights on how to grow in this gift, step out in faith, and be a vessel of God's love in everyday life.

Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to recognize the ways God is already speaking—through you and to you.