We begin with the Ascension of the Lord this Sunday, 1 June. The life of Jesus here on earth comes to an end as he ascends to the Father. This does not mean that he is distant or separated from us, because we are told that where two or more are gathered in his name he is present. We are told that he is present to us in the poor, weak and vulnerable. We have his presence in the sacred meal which he commanded us to do in memory of him. In the Acts of the Apostles we hear the angels asking the apostles why they were standing there looking up at the sky, clearly implying that Jesus is not there, or at least, not in the way we think. He promised us his spirit, and we next week we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.
On Sunday 8 June we celebrate Pentecost, the giving of God’s Spirit so that God will ever abide with and within us. It is the Spirit which makes the Church, through breaking down the barriers that keep us separated from one another, and in giving us the particular gifts that we need in order to build God’s kingdom here on earth. We see in the Acts of the Apostles that it is the Holy Spirit that guided the growth and development of the Church, and guides us still. During the 9 days of the Novena to the Holy Spirit we will pray for her gifts. On this first day, Friday 30 June, we pray for the gift of love. Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Charity within us. The great charity of all the host of Saints is only made possible by your power, Oh Divine Spirit. Increase in me, the virtue of charity that I may love as God loves with the selflessness of the Saints.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
On Sunday 15 June we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, not simply as a theological
affirmation but as a model of human relatedness.
On Sunday 22 June we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. It is through his body and blood that we salvation, a new life, and belonging. In it we experience in a very real way his continued presence amongst us.
On Sunday 29 June we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. They are held up to us as models of the faces of the church, the missionary and the institutional. We are to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and so bring people to , but also ensure that the body of Christ, the church, continues to be a place of life, love and nourishment, just as Jesus commanded Peter to do
