Scripture links "the promise of the Father" (Lk 24:49) to the Ascension of Jesus to the Father (Acts 1:4-5). Just before Jesus ascended to His Father, He told His disciples, "Wait, rather, for the fulfillment of My Father's promise...within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:4-5).
Jesus promised that we would do greater by far than He did (Jn 14:12). How could this be? Jesus explained that this is because He goes to the Father (Jn 14:12-13). When Jesus goes to the Father, sparks fly, love flies. The Holy Spirit is often defined as the love which arcs between the Father and the Son. Their love cannot be contained, and thus the Spirit arcs wildly between Them. So great is this passionate love that nothing in the universe could possibly hold back the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit descend to us on earth (Eph 4:11). Heaven is now open to us, and we are opened to heaven.
We who are joined with Jesus through Baptism are also lifted up in Spirit and filled with the Spirit, the "promise of the Father." Let Jesus' Ascension result in great love in heaven and immeasurable power and holiness on earth. "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22).
| PRAYER: | Father, on this third day of the Pentecost Novena, make me see the inadequacies of my love for You and make me desire new and greater life and love. |
| PROMISE: | "I send down upon you the promise of My Father." –Lk 24:49 |
| PRAISE: | "He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit; seen by the angels; preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory" (1 Tm 3:16). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College