This week is a week of prayer in preparation for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Church is called to worship, lifting her eyes to heaven and invoking the Paraclete to dwell in her and the world. Today’s reflection centres on prayer and invoking the Spirit of God.
Today’s first reading tells us that after Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and went to the upper room where they stayed. There, they joined together in prayer along with several of his disciples, some women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his relatives.
We should pray without ceasing (Luke 18:1). In the gospel reading, we heard Jesus praying for his disciples in that his priestly prayer. His prayer is also for us that in Him we too may be glorified; that we may know what it means to have eternal life and pursue it (Jn 17:3); that we may be rich in knowledge of heavenly things; and that we may survive the persecutions and the attacks of the world that may come upon us.
Thus, in the second reading, Peter encourages his readers to rejoice in their sufferings because they share Christ’s sufferings. Their suffering for Christ proves they have the Spirit of Christ and glory in them. He reminds them that if they are insulted because of their faith, they are blessed and should not be ashamed but glorify God.
During this week of prayer for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are reminded of the importance of community prayer/worship, family prayers, and private prayers. Prayer involves communicating with God and doesn’t have to be restricted to set words, rites, or something you must memorize. Jesus used his own words when praying to God, and we can do the same by speaking from the heart. Communal prayers may follow a familiar pattern, but prayer is ultimately about conversing with God our Father. Remembering this can make prayer less daunting and more personal.
As we prepare for Pentecost, let us pray: Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, that the face of the earth be renewed! Amen.