There is no need for us to question God in a prideful, doubting way. Zechariah questioned God's messenger by asking: "How am I to know this?" (Lk 1:18) He was struck dumb for nine months.
However, we do have a need to question God in a humble, loving way. Mary questioned the same archangel as Zechariah did. In all humility, she asked: "How can this be since I do not know man?" (Lk 1:34) The angel did not strike her dumb. He promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon Mary (Lk 1:35). Then Mary conceived Jesus, God, by the power of the Spirit.
During this Pentecost novena, in a spirit of humility, ask God questions. Question even yourself and your motives. Ask others the question: "Did you receive the Holy Spirit?" (Acts 19:2) Questions asked in humility lead to answers – even to the reception of the Holy Spirit in a new Pentecost (see Acts 1:6ff). Jesus promised: "Ask, and you will receive" (Mt 7:7). Ask questions, and you may receive the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit!
| PRAYER: | Father, may I ask questions, find peace even in suffering, take courage, and overcome the world (Jn 16:33). |
| PROMISE: | "As Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies. There were in the company about twelve men in all." –Acts 19:6-7 |
| PRAISE: | At a local parish, a large group of Catholics regularly prays to Our Lady of Fatima each Saturday to observe her requests for regular prayer, reparation, and consecration. |
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