throughout the whole Catholic Church, this year and in every subsequent
year, a novena shall take place before Whit-Sunday (Pentecost), in all
parish churches." It has been reported that Pope Leo XIII was inspired to
mandate the Pentecost novena because of a letter from a housewife in
Italy. Pope John Paul II has reiterated Pope Leo XIII's command for a
worldwide Pentecost novena, although the novena can be prayed at any
time — not only before Pentecost.
On May 22nd the Pentecost novena begins for 2009. You can use our
Pentecost novena prayer booklet to help guide your prayer.
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp
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Sunday, May 24, 2009, Ascension, Pentecost Novena - Day 3
Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 4:1-13, Psalm 47, Mark 16:15-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052409.shtml
ATTENTION SPAN
"No sooner had He said this than He was lifted up before their eyes in a
cloud which took Him from their sight." —Acts 1:9
When the Holy Spirit is mentioned, the evil spirit tries to change the
subject. Jesus promised: "Within a few days you will be baptized with the
Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5). The apostles responded by asking: "Lord, are You
going to restore the rule to Israel now?" (Acts 1:6) When the disciples
were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the people responded: "They
have had too much new wine!" (Acts 2:13)
When Jesus mentioned the Holy Spirit for the final time, He ascended into
heaven (Acts 1:8-9). This may have been Jesus' way of indelibly impressing
on us His last reference to the Spirit. When someone ascends into heaven,
we have the tendency to remember their final words. Thus, the disciples
took to heart Jesus' last reference to the Spirit. They waited and prayed
for the coming of the Spirit.
Today's Holy Day celebration of Jesus' ascension serves to help us fix our
eyes on Jesus. When we, with the eyes of faith, see Him ascend, we keep
our attention on the Holy Spirit and receive the Spirit in power (see 2
Kgs 2:9-10; Sir 48:11-12). When we are baptized in, immersed in,
preoccupied with Jesus, we don't change the subject; we let the Spirit
change us.
Prayer: Father, may I refuse to take my eyes off of the ascended Jesus.
May I soon receive the Spirit in a new way.
Promise: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on
you." —Acts 1:8
Praise: Praise You, risen and ascended Jesus, for sending Your Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit! Alleluia!
(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Holy Spirit, Our Hope" on
audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)
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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, 2009 through May 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
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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