Waiting in Prayer
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
During this three-week series, Veni Sancte Spiritus, we are focused on the Holy Spirit and His presence in our lives. My hope is that all of us will build a stronger relationship with the Holy Spirit, inviting Him into our lives and making Him a more regular dialogue partner in prayer. After all, this is the time of Spirit. Jesus sits in glory at the right hand of the Father; He has sent His Holy Spirit to guide us and to remind us of all that our Lord taught us.
Today, we find ourselves at the Ascension, which occurred on a Thursday, creating the original novena, or nine days of prayer, preparing for and awaiting the arrival. Jesus tells his disciples “I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Lk 24:49). One of the best ways to prepare for Pentecost is to join in a novena to the Holy Spirit. EWTN shares a lovely novena, too!
This time, the in between, Jesus’ Ascension and Pentecost, is all about waiting. But there are various kinds of waiting. We can wait in line at the DMV or ShopRite, or we can wait for an upcoming vacation or birthday. On the one hand, we may be simply waiting for something to be here, so that our time will no longer be wasted. On the other hand, we can eagerly await a momentous moment. When Jesus exhorts the disciples to “wait for the promise of the Father,” He means for them to adopt the latter attitude.
A long time ago, one of my spiritual fathers told me that God abides in the present, that eternity is like an unfolding eternal now, without past or future. It merely is. And so, if we spend a lot of time reminiscing about the past or wishing for a future not yet here, we are in a “place” where God is not. God exists in the present. To connect with God we need to also be in the present. Stay in the present to focus on the Presence. Deep and solid advice since we are made for God, and our hearts are restless until we rest in God. Often, when we are too invested, either in looking back or ahead, we are somewhat restless, wistful, nostalgic, unfulfilled - and the better strategy for personal happiness and fulfillment is to meet God in the moment. Practice of the Presence of God is a powerful book by Br. Lawrence, which captures this wonderful strategy of remaining in the present and meeting God “there.”
One of the simplest prayers, whenever we find ourselves elsewhere or our peace disturbed is: “Come, Holy Spirit!” and take a deep breath. I find it helpful to pray that phrase three times, each with a deep breath. We want to invite the Holy Spirit to accompany us at the beginning and end of each action, to be the One who journeys with us, while we remain attentive to His presence. (see CCC 2670-2672).
As we grow in our devotion to the Spirit, we will be stepping outside our comfort zone. Since growth is always outside our comfort zone; God is always inviting and encouraging us to grow in His grace, love, and discipleship. How is God inviting you to grow during these days and weeks?
As a parish, we are growing, developing, furthering the mission entrusted to us. I would invite and encourage you to save the date for the upcoming Town Hall. Together we can discuss the ways we hope to grow, those three key strategic goals I mentioned last week, and how we hope to accomplish them. I hope you will want to be a part of what God has in store for us.
I have been hearing (whisper down the lane) that some are leery for ominous news. There shall be none. Regular Town Halls are the idea of our Pastoral Council to give all our members a chance to hear more, ask questions and develop a deeper sense of belonging and commitment. We are excited to talk about our Strategic Plan and to address any questions you may have.
Attentive to the Spirit and wishing you the same!
Fr. Wilson
