As I write this, a storm has just blown in. There's a strong, driving wind outside (compare Acts 2:2). Lightning is darting throughout the sky, and powerful blasts of thunder shake the windows. A tornado siren just sounded. Fire trucks and police cars drive nearby, blaring their sirens. It seems like this storm is turning the town upside down.
Tomorrow we begin praying the Pentecost Novena, nine days of fervent prayer to prepare for receiving a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. What storm will result if you receive the Holy Spirit during or after this Novena? It may mean that:
"Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), and let Him "stir" up your world (2 Tm 1:6).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I be more concerned with being separated from the Holy Spirit than I am with having to endure upheaval. |
| PROMISE: | "Your grief will be turned into joy." –Jn 16:20 |
| PRAISE: | St. Joseph accepted Mary as his wife, thus enduring scandal, rejection, and relocation, and did so joyfully. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College