The first Novena in the Church was from Ascension (used to be a Thursday, Remember?!!!) till Pentecost. The Apostles and the women with Mary did not know it was only to be nine days. They prayed and waited for the promise.
Let us takes some of the titles used by Jesus.
The Advocate – sometimes translated Comforter, Paraclete.
Advocate – the one to whom I cry out. Every prayer to the Holy Spirit that I know begins with the word “Come”. Christian tradition encourages us to cry out to God’s Spirit in our need. The Greek word Paraclete has the same meaning.
The Spirit of Truth. On last Sunday we heard of the apostles resolving a conflict in the early Church between the Jews and the Gentiles. Their decision was promulgated with a decree that began with the words: “it seems good to the
Holy Spirit and to us….” God is truth. Those words can help us to think clearly in decision making. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth and helps us to make decisions in line with God’s will. We are inspired by our Confirmation gifts of Wisdom and Understanding.
Jesus said last Sunday that the Holy Spirit will teach you every thing and remind you of the things I have said.
In the O.T. God spoke to the prophet e.g. Moses and the prophet spoke to the people about God’s message. The
coming of the Holy Spirit changes all of this. Peter said at Pentecost; All can know God. The spirit teaches us. The Spirit reminds us of the word of Jesus. Through the gift of Jesus we can all know God!
Come Holy Spirit!