How often have you heard this prayer? Maybe so often that you hardly feel like you’re really talking to God anymore! But today, on this great day of celebration, let’s dare to rediscover how bold a request this really is!

What could be more appropriate on Pentecost than welcoming the Holy Spirit just as simply and humbly as the apostles did so long ago? What could be a more appropriate way to pray today than simply repeating, “Come, Holy Spirit” over and over again, trusting that God will hear and answer? Even if it seems silly and repetitious, don’t worry. Simple requests like these can be very powerful. Just keep praying, “Come, Holy Spirit,” and see what thoughts, images, or emotions flow into your heart. You can be confident that if they are good and godly thoughts, the Holy Spirit is behind them.

Jesus took a very simple approach with children. He said, “Let the little children come to me,” and he blessed them and held them close (Mark 10:14-15). It was all so uncomplicated, yet very moving—both for the children and for their parents. In a similar way, when we pray with simple words such as “Come Holy Spirit,” we are being like little children. We are trusting God, placing our hope in him, and going to him for his blessing.

What kind of outpouring might God give you as you welcome the Spirit in just as simple a way? He may fill you with such a deep understanding of God’s love that you know he’s real in a whole new way. He may show you mercy to such a powerful degree that you fall to your knees in gratitude and adoration. He may bring you to tears of repentance, or move you to dance with joy and freedom. He may do something altogether unexpected—but just as delightful and awe-inspiring. So come today as a child: pure, simple, and open. Who knows what God is prepared to do for his children on this day of heavenly grace and power?

“Come, Holy Spirit!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. The first reading describes the moment when the Holy Spirit “came to rest” on each one of the disciples. Witnesses are described as “confused”, “astounded” and “in amazement.” Each of us as baptized Catholic men has also received the Holy Spirit. Do you believe there is enough evidence in your life to “convict” you of being a Christian with the Holy Spirit indwelling you? Do you believe that the Lord wants to give you a deeper infilling of his Spirit? How can this happen?
   
    
2. The responsorial psalm says the Holy Spirit will “renew the face of the earth”. What in your life would you like the Holy Spirit to renew?
   
    
3. The second reading says that spiritual gifts are given to each of us for the benefit of others. What spiritual gifts have you received from the Holy Spirit that can benefit your family, your parish, and others? What service could your men’s group undertake to reach out to others or serve your parish?
   
    
4. The second reading also uses the metaphor of a body to describe our Church, “and all parts of the body, though many, are one body.” In Christ, all differences are united. How tolerant are you of other members of the body of Christ who are different than you? What steps can you take, individually or as a group, to bring more unity to your parish? Are you also willing to reach out to non-Catholics as well? Why or why not?
   
    
5. In the Gospel, Jesus’ first words to the disciples after his resurrection were words of consolation and reassurance: “peace be with you”. Following his example, what practical steps can you take this week to bring the Lord’s comfort and peace to others? What are the obstacles in you that keep you from witnessing God’s love to others?
   
    
6. Today’s meditation asks us to pray: “Come, Holy spirit.” Who of us would not want the Holy Spirit to move in our lives, in our parish, in our world! In what specific ways would you have the Holy Spirit manifest himself more powerfully in your life? Why not take some time at the end of your meeting pray with one another and ask for a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit.