Friars Corner: Preparing for Pentecost

Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR

Just before Jesus went back to heaven, having finished his salvation work on earth, he gave his followers a simple command. We find it in Acts of the Apostles 1:4-5,

“Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

This is the only novena that we find in the New Testament. Jesus went on to say:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,” Acts 1:8.

The community did not understand what Jesus meant. They just prayed a lot during those nine days. The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, describes some of what happened to them. They were filled with great joy, enthusiasm and courage to preach Christ’s Good News.

Let us spend these nine days in expectation of what the Holy Spirit wants to do in us so we can go forth with great courage and boldness to serve our brothers and sisters making our part of the world a better place.

A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Years ago, Cardinal Mercier gave very simple advice on how we can grow daily in holiness by following the Holy Spirit. “If every day for five minutes, you will keep your imagination quiet, shut your eyes to all the things of your sense, and close your ears to all distracting sounds of earth, so as to be able to withdraw into your inner baptized body, which is the temple of God and there speak to the Holy Spirit thus:

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten, guide, strengthen and console me. Tell me what I ought to do and give me the grace to do it. I promise to be submissive in everything that you permit to happen to me, only show me what if your will.” I ask this in Jesus’ Name.)

This prayer will bring you joy and guidance and gently the Holy Spirit will guide your day.

Peace and all good,

• Fr. Bob Hilz
  (© 2018 Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR)

If you want 9 major mini-teachings explaining the Holy Spirit, send me your request at: fbhilz@gmail.com