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Sunday, May 4, 2008, Ascension, Pentecost Novena - Day 3
Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Psalm 47, Matthew 28:16-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/050408.shtml
THE ULTIMATE CALL TO PRAYER
"Within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 1:5
Jesus tried to give us the Holy Spirit three times. When He died on
Calvary He gave over His Spirit (Jn 19:30), although only a few were
present to receive the Spirit. Jesus' second attempt to give us the Holy
Spirit was on the first resurrection night. He breathed on His apostles
and commanded: "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22). It seems that they
did not receive because they stayed locked up in the upper room. The
Church received the fullness of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, after having
devoted themselves to constant prayer for nine days (Acts 1:14).
Prayer is one of the keys to receiving the Holy Spirit. "If [we], with all
[our] sins, know how to give [our] children good things, how much more
will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him" (Lk
11:13). However, Jesus' followers have traditionally had difficulty
spending one hour a day with Him in prayer (see Mt 26:40). Like Martha, we
are sometimes upset with others who pray and with the Lord Who calls them
to pray (see Lk 10:40ff). We must honestly admit that we are not praying
people, praying families, or praying couples. However, prayer is necessary
to receive the Spirit.
The Ascension of Jesus is the most powerful and successful call to prayer
in the Bible. After the Ascension, apostles who didn't pray an hour in the
garden of Gethsemani devoted themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). On
this holy day of the Ascension, the Lord offers us a special invitation to
pray and a gift to pray. Accept the invitation, pray, and receive the
Spirit.
Prayer: Father, may the next week of prayer be the best in my life. Jesus,
teach me to pray in the Spirit (see Lk 11:1).
Promise: "Know that I am with you always." —Mt 28:20
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who ascends to the Father and lives
forever to intercede for us.
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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.
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