Pray to the Holy Spirit

by Fr. Jess Ty  |  05/17/2020  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear Family of God,

Do you know who asks the disciples to pray the first Novena to the Holy Spirit?

Before Jesus ascends into heaven, He, Himself asks the disciples to pray for the Holy Spirit, the Advocate to come. “And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Lk. 24:49). The Eleven apostles, “…with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus…” (See Acts 1:12-14).

Forty days after the resurrection of Jesus, He ascends into Heaven. That is why in our gospel this weekend, before His Passion, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, He assures the apostles and us with a two-fold promise: “I will not leave you orphaned; I will come to you” (Jn. 14:18). Jesus remains with us always through the presence and action of the Holy Spirit.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Christian life. Indeed the whole Christian life, is “Life in the Spirit.” Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot persevere in the life of faith, we need the Divine Gift who make it possible, the Holy Spirit. We all need to know and pray a Novena to the Holy Spirit (starting on May 22nd), so that even amidst persecution and suffering we will keep our peace and joy like the early Christians. I highly encourage you all to watch a series of videos by Fr. Dave Pivonka to know and develop a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit. Here is the link: https://watch.formed.org/the-wild-goose-with-fr-dave-pivonka

May the Blessed Mother help us as she helped the apostles before Pentecost. Amen.

Yours in Christ through Mary Immaculate,

Fr. Jess Ty