Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Joan Cawley
Opening Prayer
Lord, send out Your Spirit and renew us!
Scripture
Acts 2:1-4
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages.
Reflection
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles has all the hallmarks of a mystery: a strong wind that shakes the house and whistles through the cracks; people huddled together in fear; doors closed and locked; and then the felt presence of something other.
Indeed, we are confronted with a mystery, but not a mystery to be solved, rather a mystery to be pondered, a mystery that unleashed such great power that it reaches down through the ages to our present day. This Power, this Presence, we call the Holy Spirit.
Our world today is in dire straits. Nations are at odds or at war with one another; various religious groups live in fear of prejudice and persecution; church leadership has lost much of its credibility among members; and its moral voice has been muted within the broader society. Indeed, we are in need of the transforming power of the Spirit! Come, Holy Spirit, empower us to use the gifts you give us to make our world a better place.
Reflect
“Lord, send out Your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.” Having received the Holy Spirit, how can I assist in renewing the face of the earth?
Closing Prayer
God of all goodness, You sent the Holy Spirit as a lasting gift to us, Your children. May the Holy Spirit guide us and empower us to carry out the mission of Your Son. Amen.
