NINE DAYS TO THE HOLY SPIRIT - One Bread, One Body, 5/2/2008

The April issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

World Vocation Day Focuses On Mission
Christians Must Bring Truth, Hope To Life Issues
Decent Work Should Be Available To All
In Defense of Life: 73 to 0
Faith-Building DVDs Are Increasing
Common Moral Law Should Be Sure Guide

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, May 2, 2008, Pentecost Novena - Day 1, St. Athanasius

Acts 18:9-18, Psalm 47, John 16:20-23
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/050208.shtml

NINE DAYS TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

"Whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name." —John 16:23

Today we begin the Pentecost novena, nine days of prayer in preparation
for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. On this first
day of the novena, Jesus tells us to ask for the Spirit in His name (Jn
16:23). Jesus says: "The heavenly Father [will] give the Holy Spirit to
those who ask Him" (Lk 11:13).

We need these nine days to prepare us to ask rightly (Jas 4:2-3). "We will
receive at His hands whatever we ask" provided that "our consciences have
nothing to charge us with" (1 Jn 3:22, 21). Thus, Jesus wants us to focus
on repentance during this novena.

The disciples who prayed the first Pentecost novena "devoted themselves to
constant prayer" (Acts 1:14). Prayer that is constant and communal works!
They were filled with the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Find some people
to gather with to pray the novena.

Mary was central to the first Pentecost novena. Imagine how guilty the
first disciples felt in abandoning Jesus during His crucifixion and adding
to His pain. If you went to the funeral of someone you had hurt badly,
imagine how comforted you'd feel to be loved and forgiven by the family of
the deceased. Mary was Jesus' mother. Her presence with the disciples
during the novena meant forgiveness and restoration.

Repent and go to Confession. Pray with others. Pray with Mary. Receive the
Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, I ask You in Jesus' name to prepare my heart to be a
worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.

Promise: "The Lord said to Paul: 'Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do
not be silenced, for I am with you.' " —Acts 18:9-10

Praise: St. Athanasius taught: "The corruption of death no longer holds
any power over mankind, thanks to the Word."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2008 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r