Have you ever wondered what it must have been like as Jesus’ followers gathered in the upper room? Luke tells us that they were “constantly devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14). We can just imagine the kind of unity that developed as they spent all this time together—as well as the spiritual power that was present.

Somehow, this small group of disciples sensed that they were more powerful together than if they had gone their separate ways. They knew that their solidarity would strengthen all of them individually.

Wouldn’t it be marvelous if everyone reading this meditation were to imitate the apostles and join together in praying for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Wouldn’t it be even better if at Mass today every congregation were to take a few minutes right after the homily to pray together for the Holy Spirit to fall upon them?

If you are a priest, consider this possibility for your Masses. Maybe you can urge your people to join in solidarity with each other just as the first disciples did in the days before Pentecost. Encourage them to close their eyes and picture the heavenly court. Have them imagine themselves—all of them—right there before the throne of God, joining with the saints and angels in worship. Perhaps you could even lead them in a prayer like the ones in Revelation 4, 5, and 7, or in the psalm response from today’s readings.

Who knows what grace God will pour out upon his people as they unite in prayer? We do know that when the apostles gathered in the upper room, all of history was affected. Who knows? Maybe our prayer of solidarity could be just as powerful. Wars could end. Poverty could be dealt a serious blow. Marriages could be restored. Healings could occur. The possibilities are as limitless as the power of God!

“Lord Jesus, we join together as one people to welcome you in our midst. We welcome you into this world. Come, Holy Spirit, and blow your renewing winds upon your church!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. The first reading today tells us that the disciples together “devoted themselves with one accord to prayer.” How could your men’s fellowship group this week best serve the parish by imitating the example of these first Christian men?
   
    
2. The responsorial psalm speaks of the Lord as hearing and answering our call to him. That, of course, presupposes we are talking with him and listening to him. What practical steps can you take this week to increase the amount of time you spend in the Lord’s presence in prayer?
   
    
3. Instead of “suffering” as Christians, as we hear in the second reading, Pope Benedict XVI prayed last week that we all experience “the joy of announcing and bearing witness to the Good News of Christ the Savior”. It is a joy he says that comes from knowing the love of Christ. What things are you men’s fellowship group willing to commit to this week to share the love of Christ with your family, friends, coworkers, or parish?
   
    
4. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of knowing the Father? What kind of relationship do you have with God the Father? What are some of the obstacles to knowing more intimately your Heavenly Father that may come from your relationship with your earthly father? What does the story of the prodigal son tell you about God, the Father?
   
    
5. Jesus also says in his prayer to his and our Father that we have “accepted” and “understood” that he came from and was sent by God the Father. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship and commitment to Jesus?
   
    
6. In the concluding prayer at the end of today’s meditation, “we join together as one people” and we ask the Holy Spirit to “blow your renewing winds upon your church!” How could your fellowship group better serve as an example of unity, support, and hope to others in your parish?