The period between the Ascension and Pentecost is a very sacred time. It is the period of the first novena, nine days of prayer. Between the Ascension and Pentecost the disciples of Jesus kept vigil, they watched and waited for the gift from above. Conscious of their need for divine help and inspiration, the disciples prayed earnestly for the gift Jesus promised them, the gift of the Holy Spirit. The scriptures tell us that they “joined in continuous prayer, together with several women including Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14).
The days leading up to Pentecost offer us an ideal opportunity to pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives and in the life of the Christian community. The energy and enthusiasm required to live the Christian life comes from the Holy Spirit; so does the wisdom we need to make good decisions. The world today needs Christians who have listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and who are willing to practice the values of Jesus with conviction and courage.
The sacred days leading up to Pentecost are also an ideal time to bring into the Divine Presence our needs and our intentions. We all have things we are struggling with, things that are difficult and perhaps painful. Even though we have a tendency to rely on our own power and strength to overcome our problems we do not have to manage these on our own. The Holy Spirit is waiting for our invitation. The Holy Spirit wants to help us. The Holy Spirit can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
It is becoming more and more obvious that the Church is undergoing a major transition. Old models of faith practice which we held dear are breaking down leaving many of us feeling confused and lost. While it is necessary to grieve for the things we are losing, it is also important to believe that this time of transition offers us new opportunities. The Holy Spirit is with us as our guide and inspiration. The sacred days between Ascension and Pentecost are a special time to ask the Holy Spirit to help us find a new direction for the Church, new ways of being community and new sources of nourishment for our spiritual lives.
Come Holy Spirit. Inspire our minds with your wisdom. Fill our hearts with your love. Help us to believe that you are always with us, guiding us, helping us and uniting us. Amen.