May 24 - Feast of the Ascension and Day 3 of Novena for Pentecost

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Blessings on this Feast of the Ascension! There is much to ponder both in the Mass Readings for today and as we continue our Novena in preparation fpr Pentecost.

From the First Reading for the Feast of the Ascension, Acts 1: 1-11:

…He presented Himself alive to them
by many proofs after he had suffered,
appearing to them during forty days
and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While meeting with them,
He enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem,
but to wait for “the promise of the Father
about which you have heard me speak;
for John baptized with water,
but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…”

From Day 3 of Novena for Pentecost, there are several phrases from parts of the prayers that blesed me in a special way, perhaps you will hear other words from the Lord, as He speaks to your heart:

…O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven, did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love.…

I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant heareth.” Amen.

Mary, Mother of the Church, as you prayed for, and with, the Disciples and all your children, as you waited with them for the Holy Spirit to come , as Jesus promised, we look to you to enfold us in the crossing of your arms, and pray with us today.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Stephie,

Thanks so much for your ever faith-full and loving “heart”! I am a bit surprised at how few persons seem to be interested in making this Novena in preparation for Pentecost, at a time when there is such great need for an increase in His Gifts in the Church and in the world. Yet I am encouraged by you and in the hope that those who at least read this thread may have prayed with us.

Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of Your Faithful; kindle in us the Fire of Your Love! Mary, Mother of the Church, please pray with us and for all your children.