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Thursday, May 5, 2005

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Acts 18:1-8
Psalm 98
John 16:16-20

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"the time is short" (1 cor 7:29)

"What does He mean by this 'short time'?" —John 16:18

The "now" word in today's readings is: "within a short time" (Jn 16:16). The phrase "short time" is used four times in the Gospel passage. Through this repetition, the Lord undoubtedly wants to emphasize that something is about to happen. In addition, He obviously wants us to be ready instead of unprepared when it takes place.

Liturgically, we begin praying the Pentecost novena tomorrow. Throughout this novena, we prepare to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like a parent hustling to get children ready to catch the school bus, the Lord, through His Church, practically screams to us that it's time to stop dawdling. We must get ready to pray now or we'll miss the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which the Lord has long been preparing for us.

"The time is short" (1 Cor 7:29). Do whatever it takes to get ready for the Holy Spirit. Turn off or throw out the TV. Stop reading the newspapers and read the Bible instead. Go to Confession during the novena. Attend Mass as often as possible, even daily during these nine days. When the Spirit comes, may He find you ready and waiting with open arms. "Within a short time," "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 16:18; 20:22).

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, may I be so prepared to receive You that it only takes me a "short time" to respond to You.

Promise:  "Many of the Corinthians, too, who heard Paul believed and were baptized." —Acts 18:8

Praise:  Thomas has learned to respond to promptings of the Spirit quickly, because he's learned he can't deny God.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Presentation Ministries' Forty Hours Adoration and Family Campout will take place at the Paul Jansen Discipleship Center and Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel May 19-21, 2005. For information or to register, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 2004

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