We are halfway through the Pentecost Novena. By this time in the novena, the Holy Spirit has been quite active. The Holy Spirit has been working on preparing our hearts for Pentecost. The Spirit has been consoling us, instructing us (Jn 14:26), leading us to the truth (Jn 16:13), and warning us about repentance and other changes we must make (Acts 20:23).

As the novena continues, the Spirit will be helping us pray, for we know not how to pray as we ought (Rm 8:26). The Spirit will fight against our sinful flesh (Gal 5:17), prompting us to repent more deeply and giving us a greater desire to be holy. The Holy Spirit will give us a greater thirst for Jesus (Jn 7:37-39). Then Jesus will pour out the Spirit in ever greater abundance on us, for "He does not ration His gift of the Spirit" (Jn 3:34). In turn, the Spirit will lead us to the Father, inspiring us to "cry out, 'Abba!' ('that is, 'Father')" (Rm 8:15). Then the Father pours out His love "in our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Rm 5:5) and Jesus will baptize us anew in the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8). As Pentecost approaches, we should be so immersed in Trinitarian love that we will literally be "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:4).

In five days, the Holy Spirit will be poured out anew at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is warning you (Acts 20:23) to prepare for an outpouring beyond anything you can ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). "Follow the Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:25).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, October 9, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 14, 2003