Reflection

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH

First, when Jesus died and, again, when He ascended to heaven, the Apostles experienced the profound “loss” of of their best friend. Prior to both occasions, Jesus had instructed His apostles to persist in prayer. In prayer, we “search” for God and discern His plan for us.

Before the crucifixion, the apostles first abandoned prayer, and then they abandoned Jesus. In contrast, after the Ascension, the disciples persisted in prayer for nine days. As Jesus had instructed, they petitioned for the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit ensured that they lacked nothing they truly needed.

This response to persistent searching had been foreshadowed when Joseph and Mary searched for their 12-year-old boy, eventually re-discovering Jesus in the temple. After that first novena, the disciples were likewise rewarded with the Birth of the Church.

The Holy Spirit made available abundant graces and transformed the disciples, making their efforts miraculously fruitful.

Pray

Pater Noster

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

R: Give us, this day, our daily bread;
     And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
     And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. AMEN.

Holy Scripture

Acts of the Apostles 1: 4-5

[H]e enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.”

Pray

Ave Maria

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

R: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now
     and at the hour of our death. AMEN.

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