On Pentecost, The Holy Spirit came upon the faithful followers of Jesus and Our Blessed Mother gathered in the Upper Room. The Apostles received passion, zeal, and confidence despite fear of Romans and Jews who opposed Jesus. After receiving the Holy Spirit, the Apostles left the security of the Upper Room and immediately began proclaiming the Good News to a large crowd. They proclaimed in such a way that all were able to understand in their own language. This speaking in many different languages was accomplished through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Apostles were greatly changed by the Holy Spirit and were compelled to spread this gift to the world.
Even if we are not multilingual, we are called to speak different languages that we are capable of at the appropriate time: gentle comforting, tough love convicting, authentically with our actions, and patiently in prayerful waiting. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us for we are better instruments of love and evangelization through the Holy Spirit.
Pray to the Holy Spirit directly and ask Him to help us remember how to speak with love.
Spend time reflecting on how the Holy Spirit is inspiring us and ask the Holy Spirit to stir up the gifts and fruits within us.
Come, Holy Spirit, inspire us to proclaim the love of God in our words and actions!
Another amazing aspect we must reflect on is that the Holy Spirit working through the Apostles brought unity! They brought people of every nation, race, and status together to hear the most important message of all time – the love of Jesus Christ and the call to conversion. This message is for everyone not just for a selected few. We all need Jesus and freedom from sin, evil, and pride.
Pray for unity of people.
Pray for unity within the Church.
Come, Holy Spirit, renew unity within the world, Church and our families!
Today’s culture thrives at division as it causes death, fear, and fraction. As followers of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit, we must seek unity in every way possible. Don’t allow the media to guide your heart, because the media’s desire it is to upset and break us apart as people. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to renew us and the Church through prayer, action, and speaking out.
Speak truth when it is hard.
Seek peace when possible.
A people divided can’t stand any more than a nation divided can.
Be Christ’s light to a world so violent, politicized, and destructive.
Come, Holy Spirit, enflame us and prepare us for our mission in this world.
Let us pray together to the Holy Spirit –
Veni, Creator Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest)
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
O comforter, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God Most High, O fount of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known; Thou, finger of God’s hand we own; Thou, promise of the Father, Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue.
Kindle our sense from above, and make our hearts o’erflow with love; with patience firm and virtue high the weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread, and grant us Thy peace instead; so shall we not, with Thee for guide, turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest.
Now to the Father and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given, with Thou, O Holy Comforter, henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.
One of the most widely used hymns in the Church, Veni, Creator Spiritus, is attributed to Rabanus Maurus; (776-856). It is used at Vespers, Pentecost, Dedication of a Church, Confirmation, and Holy Orders and whenever the Holy Spirit is solemnly invoked. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it. A plenary indulgence is granted if it is recited on January 1st or on the feast of Pentecost. (EWTN)
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
References:
Prayer and EWTN quote retrieved from https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/veni-creator-spiritus-come-holy-spirit-creator-blest-11897
Author: Laura Stephens, FF Sacrament Preparation Catechist
