Praying with Mary in the Cenacle
We celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Cenacle and Pentecost this month of May remembering Mary and the apostles who were gathered in the Upper Room waiting for the coming of the Spirit. With her we celebrate this Feast and Pentecost with our hearts open, rejoicing in silence as we wait for the coming of the Spirit to renew us once more, to rekindle our desire to pursue our mission in making Jesus known and loved.
The Holy Spirit’s Hovering Presence
Along the strands
of my thoughts,
along the stirrings
in my dreams your presence hovers
you are not far, after all
just within my grasp,
just a moment to hold on.
Your presence lives
in the whisper of the wind
the sea of clouds in the sky,
in the melodious tune of the moon
the warm glow of sunrise,
in children's laughter
and the faithfulness of Mary.
Oh, I am a relentless seeker
of your grace,
How marvelous it is to embrace your Spirit!
- Marietta Lea B. Rosana
Scripture Texts:
1. Acts 1:14
2. Luke 1:46-55
Reflection Questions:
Be with Mary today. Imagine you are one of the apostles with Mary waiting for the coming of the Spirit on the first Pentecost. What inspiration, desire, insights and feelings came to life during this contemplation?
Contemplate the role of Mary on the first Pentecost. To us who are born of the Spirit, how can we actualize our role like Mary?
Am I aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in my life? Recall the times when the Holy Spirit was alive in me, reflected in my life.
What were the moments when I shared the gifts of the Holy Spirit: truth or peace or love, or understanding to others?
Holy Spirit Prayer of Saint Augustine
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work,
too, May be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
That I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
To defend all that is holy.
Prepared with love by Tess Tuble and Marietta Rosana, COLC, Philippines