Today we begin the Pentecost novena, nine days of prayer in preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. On this first day of the novena, Jesus tells us to ask for the Spirit in His name (Jn 16:23). Jesus says: "The heavenly Father [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him" (Lk 11:13).
We need these nine days to prepare us to ask rightly (Jas 4:2-3). "We will receive at His hands whatever we ask" provided that "our consciences have nothing to charge us with" (1 Jn 3:22, 21). Thus, Jesus wants us to focus on repentance during this novena.
The disciples who prayed the first Pentecost novena "devoted themselves to constant prayer" (Acts 1:14). Prayer that is constant and communal works! They were filled with the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Find some people to gather with to pray the novena.
Mary was central to the first Pentecost novena. Imagine how guilty the first disciples felt in abandoning Jesus during His crucifixion and adding to His pain. If you went to the funeral of someone you had hurt badly, imagine how comforted you'd feel to be loved and forgiven by the family of the deceased. Mary was Jesus' mother. Her presence with the disciples during the novena meant forgiveness and restoration.
Repent and go to Confession. Pray with others. Pray with Mary. Receive the Holy Spirit!
| PRAYER: | Father, I ask You in Jesus' name to prepare my heart to be a worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord said to Paul: 'Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you.' " –Acts 18:9-10 |
| PRAISE: | St. Athanasius taught: "The corruption of death no longer holds any power over mankind, thanks to the Word." |
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