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Saturday, May 11, 2002

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Pentecost Novena - Day 2


Acts 18:23-28
Psalm 47
John 16:23-28

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abba

I "shall no longer do so, but shall tell you about the Father in plain speech." —John 16:25

The Holy Spirit cries out in our hearts, "Abba" ("Father") (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). Jesus, the only Way to the Father (Jn 14:6), also is trying to lead us to the Father. He was sent by the Father (Jn 20:21) to love us as the Father loves Him (Jn 15:9; see also Jn 16:27). Jesus taught us to pray to the Father (Mt 6:9), and whatever we ask the Father, He will give us in Jesus' name (Jn 16:23).

When we let Jesus and the Holy Spirit lead us to our Abba, we realize that we are His children and we are perfectly loved forever. We thereby have a security in which we are not susceptible to being easily manipulated. Our security in Abba's love makes us very much stronger in resisting temptations. Our victory over temptations means that we are free. Our freedom expresses our God-given dignity. In this dignity, we love ourselves and then are in the position to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 22:39), even our enemies (Mt 5:44). Our security in Abba's love and its many ramifications results in the transformation of our lives and of the world.

On this second day of the Pentecost novena, ask the Spirit to come to you so that you may come to your Abba.

Prayer:  Abba...

Promise:  "When he arrived, he greatly strengthened those who through God's favor had become believers." —Acts 18:27

Praise:  For years, Ron has evangelized thousands by composing Scriptural songs for Scripture plays performed by his children's youth group.

Reference:  (For information on Presentation Ministries' Fathers' and Sons' Camp in June, e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-5464.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Giles H. Pater, November 15, 2001


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 16, 2001