HOW SHOULD WE PREPARE FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY MAY 24TH

After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles gather in the upper room.

“All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers: (Acts 1:14).

“All these devoted themselves” tells us that they did more than say a few occasional prayers; they dropped everything and gave themselves to prayer with intensity and perseverance.

We can imagine that many fasted, and that prayer continued through the night watches. And they did this “with one accord,” all united, the apostles and Mary, in this urgent preparation for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Having experienced her Pentecost at the annunciation, Mary was doubtless the one who inspired this first intercessory prayer of the gathered Church. The rest of the community had not yet received this outpouring of the Spirit, they looked to Mary to show them how to pray in the Spirit in this way.

These days of preparation for Pentecost contain an important lesson. Our ability to receive the Holy Spirit is in proportion to our intense desire and preparation for him.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.