PRAY SV: Sunday, May 31

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday which marks the end of the Easter Season in our Liturgical Year. And here in Illinois, this weekend marks the end of the statewide stay-at-home order. I cannot help but see some similarities between the apostles leaving the locked upper room filled with the Holy Spirit and the residents of Illinois leaving their homes after weeks of sheltering in place filled with a new sense of life. While there may not be a strong wind or tongues of fire appearing as this happens, there is a refreshing feeling that we have been filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the courage to go out to proclaim the Good News to all who would listen. The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to use the individual gifts that we have been given to bring about the Kingdom of God in our corner of the world.

One of my favorite websites to visit is the Creighton Online Ministries homepage. Not only because I graduated from Creighton University, but also because there are so many spiritual resources from prayers to videos to retreats. In this week’s guide for daily prayer, the apostles are referred to as "his jittery followers" when Jesus says ‘Peace be with you’ and breathes on them to receive the Holy Spirit. Are we "jittery followers" of Christ as well? How do we act when we feel God is not present with us? There have been days during the last ten weeks that I have not felt confident in God’s presence in my life or in my house with my husband and daughter. But then I received a phone call or text message from a friend or family member reminding me of God’s love and peace in my life. The Holy Spirit has gifted us with, and enkindled in us, a fire of love to be shared with all those who will listen, just like the apostles who went out into the streets. And the crowds will be astounded and amazed as they hear us proclaim the mighty acts of God!

The following prayer comes from Fr. Tom Shanahan, SJ, who was my Theology professor at Creighton. (He is the reason I became a Theology major.) He included this prayer with his daily reflection for Pentecost Sunday on the Creighton Online Ministries webpage.

Lord, especially these days as we endure the suffering of Covid-19, send us your Spirit. Grace us with wisdom and discernment, courage to be strong of faith, and keenly aware of your care and comfort. Teach us to recognize you in these gifts of your Spirit and to accept gratefully your desire for our constant growth as your people. Amen.

Saint Viator, pray for us. Adored and loved be Jesus.

 –Mrs. Ann Perez, Viatorian Associate, is a member of the Theology Department at Saint Viator High School. She teaches Sophomore Scripture and Senior Ethics, and she is a member of the Adult Faith Formation committee.
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Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.