A Pentecost Meditation: Veni Sancte Spiritus

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit... Acts 2:4

The Sequence for Pentecost Sunday, Veni Sancte Spiritus, a prayer to the Holy Spirit, is a melody of Gregorian chant. The words and melody blend together so beautifully that it has become the customary prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send now Your Spirit over us and all those we pray for. May the Blessed Virgin Mary be our Advocate. O Holy Spirit, as you did with the Apostles and Mary in the Upper Room, make Your consoling Presence known to us that we may share Your love with others.

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. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."  John 20:19-23

Come Holy Spirit. Come through Mary.

Meditation: Let us enter the Upper Room with Mary. The disciples are filled with fear. Think about a time when you were filled with fear.  What did you do?  Who did you turn to?  As you look around the Upper Room, you watch Mary in the midst of the disciples, comforting them. As you draw near Mary, a noise suddenly comes from the sky, like a strong driving wind. Tongues of fire appear resting on the disciples and also on you. All are filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in different tongues. All fear was gone. As you ponder this scene, stay near to Mary and invite her into your heart. Talk to her about your fears.  She will listen and she will help you.  Thank the Holy Spirit for coming to you and ask Him to dwell in you always and to pour out His gifts upon you so that you may proclaim the love of Jesus to everyone you encounter!