After the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, the Apostles and Mary went to Jerusalem and stayed in the Upper Room as they awaited the promise of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate.
Let us enter the Upper Room with Mary. The disciples are filled with fear and Mary is standing in their midst, comforting them. The fear is palpable. Let Mary comfort you. Invite her to come into your heart. Suddenly, a noise came from the sky like a strong driving wind. As we stood there, tongues of fire appeared, which parted and came to rest on everyone. All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues. We were no longer afraid. Fear was replaced with fortitude, the courage to speak and do the Will of God. On this beautiful day of Pentecost, let us ask the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and pour out His gifts that we may proclaim the love of Jesus!
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke of the great things God had done, alleluia. Acts 2:4, 11
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:19-22
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send now Your Spirit over all the names we have received through this ministry. Let the Holy Spirit live in their hearts. May Our Blessed Virgin Mary be our Advocate. God of Spirit and Truth, today we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. Like the Apostles and Mary in the Upper Room, we are, at times, afraid and need to be assured that You are with us. As Your Spirit enlightened them, may Your Spirit give us the gifts we so desire. Like the Apostles and Mary, may we go out into the world to proclaim Your words.
In the musical treasure of Gregorian chant, there are some compositions that stand out for their exceptional beauty. The Sequence for Pentecost Sunday, Veni Sancte Spiritus, a prayer to the Holy Spirit, is a melody of unusual beauty. The words and melody blend together so well that it is a fine example of Saint Augustine's observation that one prays twice through song. The melody reflects supplication to the Holy Spirit, revealing a desire for His Love to fill us. Alleluias are not always joyous acclamations, but are often humble interior prayers as is this one. It has become the customary prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Come Holy Spirit. Come through Mary.
May 24, 2015
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