As I write this, a storm has just blown in. There's a strong, driving wind outside (cf Acts 2:2). Lightning is darting throughout the sky and powerful blasts of thunder shake the windows. I hear sirens from fire trucks, police cars, and a tornado warning. It seems like this storm is turning the town upside down.

Tomorrow we begin praying the Pentecost Novena, nine days of fervent prayer to prepare for receiving a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. What storm will result if you receive the Holy Spirit during or after this Novena? It may mean that:

• you must leave your job, as did St. Joseph (Mt 2:14),
• you start a new job, which becomes the launching pad for a new ministry (Acts 18:3, 5),
• you pack up and move where the Spirit leads (Acts 18:1),
• you lose your spiritual mentor (Jn 16:17) and have to step out and take leadership, as did the apostles,
• you will weep, mourn, and grieve (Jn 16:20),
• you step out in bold obedience to the Holy Spirit, and because of that, your church is instantly divided (Acts 18:4ff),
• talented leaders are converted and raised up (Acts 18:8),
• many hear the Word of God and come to believe in Jesus (Acts 18:8), or
• you "shake" off the spiritual and physical debris left by the storm (Acts 18:6), and, undaunted, continue bearing fruit in the power of the Spirit (see Mt 7:24-25).

"Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), and let Him "stir" up your world (2 Tm 1:6).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 24, 2020

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