"Within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5) or, if you have already received the Spirit, the gift of the Spirit will again be stirred into flame in your life (2 Tm 1:6-7). This new Pentecost may take place anywhere, but the Spirit was received at the first Christian Pentecost in the upper room of a house (Acts 2:2). So the prime place for receiving the Spirit is not the church or even the streets, but the home.

Although it's possible to receive the Spirit when you are "home alone," it's much more likely that you will receive the Spirit when you are praying together with those who live in your house (see Acts 1:14; 2:1). Like Priscilla and Aquila, you should consider taking others home with you and explaining God's new way to them in greater detail (Acts 18:26). Then you should ask your guests if they are open to having you lay hands on them and pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. If God has His way, your living room or kitchen may be the upper room for Pentecost 2011.

Consequently, it's crucial your house be a house of prayer (see Is 56:7). Christian couples must pray together so that they can lead their families in prayer. The homes of these praying families in turn become the places of Pentecost and of the re-creation, the re-birthing of the Church. Pray the Pentecost novena at home and from home to the world.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011

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