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Saturday, May 23, 2020

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Pentecost Novena - Day 2


Acts 18:23-28
Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10
John 16:23-28

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Apollos established "from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah." —Acts 18:28

While in the city of Ephesus, Apollos unpacked the Old Testament Scriptures that referred to Jesus and established that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah (Acts 18:28). In so doing, Apollos imitated Jesus, Who, while walking on the road to Emmaus, unpacked the Old Testament Scriptures "beginning with Moses and all the prophets" and "interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him" (Lk 24:27).

As we progress through the Pentecost Novena, we increase our thirst to receive the Holy Spirit. A great way to open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit is to review the Scriptures which reveal Jesus' identity. The Church has been doing this throughout the daily and Sunday Eucharistic readings during the seasons of Lent and Easter. To help you receive the Holy Spirit more deeply this Pentecost, take some time today and next week to look back over the key Scriptures of Lent and Easter. Focus especially on the readings of Holy Week, which summarize the Scriptures that prove that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 18:28). May the Word of God open your heart to receive the Holy Spirit in a new and life-changing way (see Lk 24:32) this Pentecost.

Prayer:  Father, stir into flame the Holy Spirit in my life today and next week (2 Tm 1:6).

Promise:  "The Father already loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God." —Jn 16:27

Praise:  Praying the Pentecost Novena led to Jane's most Spirit-filled Pentecost yet.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

(Seek First the Kingdom, a foundational retreat that sets our lives on the path to God, is June 26-28 at our beautiful Adams Co. setting. Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 or e-mail us at retreats@presentationministries.com to register.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 24, 2020

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