pray to the holy spirit
"The Lord heard her prayer. As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel." —Daniel 13:44-45
Susanna was a victim of an unjust and lustful system which had oppressed many people for years (see Dn 13:52-53, 57). She refused to compromise her covenant with the Lord (Dn 13:23). She prayed and the Holy Spirit saved her life through Daniel.
Many of us have been victimized by the culture of death. Unlike Susanna, many have compromised their faith. But if we would repent, be faithful to the Lord, and pray for the Holy Spirit to be stirred into flame in our lives (2 Tm 1:6-7), we would "beat the system" and replace the culture of death with a civilization of love and life.
In less than two weeks, we will begin the Easter season by being questioned whether we believe in the Holy Spirit. If we say "I do," we should pray every day of the rest of our lives to the Spirit, in the Spirit, and for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We should pray for new Pentecosts after new Pentecost.
"Not by an army, nor by might, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zec 4:6). Only the Spirit of God can do the work of God, for "flesh begets flesh, Spirit begets spirit" (Jn 3:6). The Church must again enter the upper room and together devote itself to constant prayer for the coming of the Spirit (Acts 1:14). On the first day of the upcoming Easter season, we look to the last day of the Easter season, Pentecost. In Lent and in life, let us live in and for the Holy Spirit. Let us pray: Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, make me docile to the Holy Spirit. Teach me to pray in the Spirit.
Promise: "Nor do I condemn you. You may go. But from now on, avoid this sin." —Jn 8:11
Praise: St. John, who taught, "Be driven by the love of God," spent long periods in prayer and ministered with special care to the poor and handicapped.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, October 17, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 21, 2002