WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 2
MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Acts 1: 8-9: "Imminent Coming of the Holy Spirit": "But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." [Please read Acts 1: 1-14 for a better appreciation of the passage].
Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)
"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1: 6), is a question the disciples asked Jesus just before His Ascension. The question implies that in believing Jesus to be the Christ, they had expected Him to be a political leader who would restore self-rule to Israel during His historical ministry. When this had not taken place, they ask if it is to take place at this time, the period of the church. Just as Jerusalem was the city of destiny in the Gospel of Luke, the place where salvation was accomplished, so here at the beginning of Acts, Jerusalem occupies a central position. It is the starting point for the mission of the disciples of Jesus, to begin in Jerusalem and go to the ends of the earth, which for Luke meant Rome. The establishment and expansion of the true kingdom of Christ was to happen in the power of the Holy Spirit. Through His power, the disciples would become able and enthusiastic witnesses. And they prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit through prayer in the Upper Room and Mary, the mother of Jesus was with them (Acts 1: 13-14).
"But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses", Jesus creates expectation with His disciples, His witness to truth is now reality to them. Everything He said would happen has, they "will be" witnesses when the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Mary, the Mother of Jesus has entered their discipleship. She has already received the power of the Holy Spirit and her task is to help the followers of her Son, the Son of God. Mary's role has changed, she is now part of their training, helping prepare them for their witness.
What is God saying to you? I have prepared the way and it is My power that gives witness to the truth of My Son through you, accept My teachings and be a student of My holy will.
Dear Father, You create expectation within our lives and give us reason for hope. You fill us with Your Holy Spirit that transforms the world and gives foot to Your word. In a world that denies Your existence may Your presence penetrate the darkness and speak truth. Prayers for our priests and the faithful who are daily following Your will. Thank You Father for giving us the Mother of Jesus who sits with us to help us understand the power of Your Holy Spirit. Without her witness Jesus would not be, You created this expectation within her just as You do with us. Thank You Father for plans and events coming together that brings about Your Kingdom, set hearts a fire with Your love. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Lover of Poverty, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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