Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Father Florante Camacho SVD – Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City
Thursday 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Among the many popular devotions practiced in the Catholic Church, especially in the Philippines, are novenas in honor of patron saints, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and other beloved saints. Surprisingly, however, novenas dedicated to the Holy Spiritare not as common. This is quite strange because the Novena to the Holy Spirit was actually the first novena practiced by the Church.
Before His Ascension, Jesus instructed His disciples not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the fulfillment of the Father’s promise: “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). After Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles gathered in prayer with Mary and the other disciples, persevering in prayer for nine days until the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14; Acts 2:1-4). Thus, the first Christian novena was born.
Interestingly, today’s Gospel concludes with these words of Jesus:
“How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13).
This final statement is often overlooked. While many of us pray for health, success, peace, protection, or material blessings, Jesus teaches us that the greatest gift we can ask from the Father is the Holy Spirit.
St. Paul reminds us that prayer itself is the work of the Holy Spirit within us:
“The Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings” (Romans 8:26).
For this reason, Jesus encourages perseverance in prayer. Through the parable of the friend who knocks at midnight (Luke 11:5-8), He teaches that we should pray persistently and confidently, trusting that God hears us even when His answer is not immediate.
It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that the apostles gradually came to understand God’s will more deeply. The same fearful disciples who once hid behind locked doors became courageous witnesses after Pentecost. Filled with the Spirit, they preached boldly, endured persecution, suffered imprisonment, and even embraced martyrdom for the sake of Christ (Acts 4:31; Acts 5:41).
To pray, therefore, is not merely to speak to God. It is to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts so that we may think, love, and act according to God’s will.
Every day, let us ask God for His Spirit:
- to enlighten our minds when we are confused;
- to strengthen us when we are weak;
- to guide us when we must make important decisions;
- to console us in trials and difficulties;
- to make us effective instruments of His love and peace.
As the Psalmist prays:
“Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth” (Psalm 104:30).
And as disciples of Christ, let us pray:
Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Renew us, guide us, and make us humble instruments for the renewal of the face of the earth. Amen.
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