A Time for Recollection

By: Ivonne J. Hernandez

​It is the Eve of Pentecost, and the Apostles are locked up in the Cenacle, praying and waiting with Mary. I have often heard that it is always darkest before dawn, so I imagine this was a particularly dark night. Their fears were probably intensified. “How long, Lord?” their hearts uttered as they quietly prayed the Psalms. The Holy Spirit within Mary whispered words of hope and encouragement in the dark.

It is the Eve of Pentecost…

“Recalling thus the mysteries of redemption, the Church opens to the faithful the riches of her Lord’s powers and merits, so that these are in some way made present for all time, and the faithful are enabled to lay hold upon them and become filled with saving grace.” (Pope Paul VI, SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM)

Who is the Holy Spirit? How is our relationship with this Divine Person? How often do we converse? Is the Spirit our “go-to” person? How has this relationship grown since Confirmation? As we prepare for Pentecost is an ideal time to ponder these questions.

“The Holy Spirit has a mission, since he is sent… The eternal Word has a mission as Savior, while the Holy Spirit has one as Sanctifier of souls… He dwells in us… This is his dwelling place of love. While he remains there, he’s not idle. What is he doing? The primary mission of the Holy Spirit is to inspire us, to be the inspiration that reveals our Lord and makes him known to us… What is his mission? To guide us. It is our duty to consult him, to place ourselves under his direction, to do nothing without him…” – St. Peter Julian Eymard (Paris, Saturday, June 7, 1862, Vigil of Pentecost)

“It is our duty to consult him… to do nothing without him.” How well are we doing this? How often do we tackle things on our own? Perhaps thinking they are too small to bother Almighty God. How often do we think, “I got this, God, I’m good.” Perhaps we act like we have limited “help credits” and want to save for when we “really” need God. Whatever the reason or excuse, if we bring it to the light, God will reveal the lie we are functioning from. At the bottom of any break in relationship, there is always a lie. The ironic thing? Guess who we need to discern the truth from the lies…

“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.” (John 16:13)

“Come Holy Spirit! “… this prayer should always be on our lips and hearts. He is permanently dwelling in us, wanting to guide us, to sanctify us. To form Jesus in us.

“Recollection is necessary to hear the answer of the Holy Spirit, to show us the way, the proper road. The Holy Spirit is concerned with our least needs. Every good thought comes from him, such is God’s attentiveness toward us and the work of divine providence in us.” – St. Peter Julian Eymard (Paris, Saturday, June 7, 1862, Vigil of Pentecost)

I love the thought that He is concerned with our least needs. I love how God reveals Himself in answering the small, insignificant prayers. Those are times I really feel loved by Him. They are reminders that He is constantly watching, delighting in my awareness of His Presence and attentiveness toward me. As my awareness grows, so does my trust. I then find it easy to consult Him, knowing He delights when I go to Him.

“His additional mission is to sanctify us, not merely enlightening us, but making us grow in holiness. He is the sanctifying Spirit, who explains the graces of Jesus Christ in us. This is his mission. Sterile in himself, the Holy Spirit bears fruit in our souls.” – St. Peter Julian Eymard (Paris, Saturday, June 7, 1862, Vigil of Pentecost)

It is the Eve of Pentecost…

“Let us not allow the Holy Spirit to remain sterile within us. What must we do? Now is the time to be recollected, tomorrow especially. Let us be recollected in the Holy Spirit, since our Catholic feasts are not just commemorations, they are alive today with the same grace. It is not the apostolic Holy Spirit who comes, but the Holy Spirit our Sanctifier, forming Jesus in our souls.” – St. Peter Julian Eymard (Paris, Saturday, June 7, 1862, Vigil of Pentecost)

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“Come Holy Spirit” Prayer 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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Ivonne J. Hernandez

Ivonne is a Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament, President of Elisheba House, and author of The Rosary: Eucharistic Meditations. She lives in Trinity, Florida, with her husband, Rick, and their children.