Pentecost is where we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came down upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire, and they were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in other languages. This day is often referred to as the Church’s birthday as it marks the moment when the disciples were inspired to go out into the world to share the good news, and to bring people to follow the way of life that Jesus had proposed.
Day 1 – Start with scripture
We start with the Sign of the Cross.
Read this scripture passage. Think about what Jesus is trying to explain to His disciples…
A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to John
R. Glory to You O LordIf you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.
“If you love me, you will obey my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever.
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them. Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching. And the teaching you have heard is not mine, but comes from the Father, who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am still with you. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
The Gospel of the Lord
John 14:14-16, 23-26
R. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Spend some time in pairs or threes and talk about the questions below. When you’re finished share them with the whole form and see where the dialogue takes you.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think the key message is from the passage?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in our lives according to this passage?
Click below to “Add Comment” and capture some of what has been said in your form for others to see.
Day 2 – Catholic Social Teaching
Human Dignity
Reflecting on the Scripture from earlier in the week (go back and read it if you need a reminder), we are going to think about The Holy Spirit as Helper: The Holy Spirit is described as an advocate and comforter. This can be seen as empowering individuals and communities to advocate for justice and uplift those in need, reflecting the Catholic social teaching call to promote the common good and fight against poverty and oppression.
As a form group, discuss the following qustions and share your answers in the comments box below:
How can we show love for Jesus through acts of service in our communities?
How can the gifts of the Holy Spirit help us build a more just and compassionate world?
We end with a prayer to the Holy Spirit:
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
O Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful,
and kindle 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 has taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that by the gift of that same Spirit
we may be always truly wise
and ever rejoice in his consolation.
Amen.
Day 3 -Hit the Headlines
This weekend Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the Feast of Pentecost in Verona, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and encouraging Christians to be open to letting the Spirit change their hearts.
Pope Francis said:
“The Holy Spirit is the one who moves us forward, who helps us progress, who enables us to develop Christian life.”
He asked those present: “Do I listen to the Holy Spirit within me?”
Spend some time quietly now considering weather you have ever felt the Holy Spirit with you? It could have been in a moment where you have felt really peaceful, a moment in church or in nature for example… Listen to the song as you spend some time thinking about a Holy Spirit moment in your life.
We pray:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you will renew the face of the earth.
Amen
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