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Monday, May 20, 1996

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St. Bernardine of Siena
Pentecost Novena - Day 4


Acts 19:1-8
Psalm 68
John 16:29-33

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what the spirit can do

"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" —Acts 19:2

Twelve men in Ephesus humbled themselves by admitting to Paul that they had not so much as heard of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2). Then they gave their lives to Jesus, were baptized in His name, received the Spirit, and "began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies" (Acts 19:5-6). The Holy Spirit working through these men resulted in:

  • all the inhabitants of the province of Asia hearing the word of God in two years (Acts 19:10),
  • "extraordinary miracles," healings, and deliverances (Acts 19:11-12),
  • the fear of God falling on all, and many Christians repenting of their involvement in the occult (Acts 19:17-19),
  • the word of the Lord continuing "to spread with influence and power" (Acts 19:20),
  • the idolatry and the economy of the city of Ephesus being significantly affected (Acts 19:25-27), and
  • "a serious disturbance" breaking out "concerning the new way," that is, concerning Christianity (Acts 19:23).

It is amazing what the Holy Spirit can do through a few people to transform individuals and society! Imagine what the Holy Spirit can do through you to "overcome the world" (Jn 16:33), if you will only let it be done to you according to God's word! (Lk 1:38) Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer:  Father, may I realize that only the Holy Spirit can "renew the face of the earth" (Ps 104:30). Holy Spirit, work through me.

Promise:  "I tell you all this that in Me you may find peace. You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world." —Jn 16:33

Praise:  Bernardine preached against usury and gambling and emphasized the need for repentance.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 10, 1995


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 13, 1995