Father Tierney’s Weekly Prayer.

Good morning to the Hayes House.
We conclude our Easter season with the celebration of Pentecost Sunday, the fiftieth day of Easter.  We celebrate today the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles who have awaited the coming of the spirit since Jesus’ Ascension. 
What happens to these disciples of Jesus is extraordinary as they break through the doors of the upper room and proclaim with great courage and faith the message of Jesus. They not only proclaim His message with confidence, but they also do so in varied languages so that all may understand and believe.
We hear the gospel account of Jesus’ appearance to the huddled followers of the Lord and how He does two things:  He shows them His hands and His side (the marks of the Crucifixion) and He brings them His Peace, “Peace be with you.”
In so many ways, we have been “wounded” during this pandemic.  Maybe you have lost a loved one due to the virus, or you know some who has died.  Maybe there is someone you know who is suffering from the virus or you are someone who works in the medical field and are on the front lines.  Maybe you know a first responder, an essential worker or a volunteer or you have seen firsthand the ‘wounds’ of this unprecedented time.  We are seeing the wounds of Christ as we see and encounter this tragic time of the covid-19 virus.
And we are given, like the disciples, “the Peace of Christ”.  Our faith gives us consolation and hope.  We hear the words of Jesus this Pentecost, ‘Peace’, to bring to our lives a sense of comfort and healing.  And, we are called as His disciples to bring that peace to those we live with and meet.
We will soon be returning to somewhat of a normal life, soon, I hope.  Let us, like the disciples who received the gift of the Spirit, so that could live their ‘new normal’, ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength and conviction to be people of mercy, hope, love and forgiveness. 
Recently, we are seeing terrible events in our streets these past few days in the response to a senseless death.  We need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and minds in his peace and so calm the emotions of so many.
I believe that we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the presence of the Holy Spirit more than ever this Pentecost in our world, our cities, our homes and in our hearts.
All the more reason we need to offer this week the prayer of Pentecost:  “COME HOLY SPIRIT, FILL THE HEARTS OF YOUR FAITHFUL AND KINDLE WITHIN THEM THE FIRE OF YOUR LOVE.  SEND FORTH YOUR SPIRIT AND RENEW THE FACE OF THE EARTH”. 
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.  In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.
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Cardinal Hayes High School

650 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: 718-292-6100
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The Mission of Cardinal Hayes High School, a community based in Roman Catholic values, is to inspire diverse young men of the New York City metropolitan area to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. We will accomplish this goal by encouraging students' spiritual and intellectual growth through a rigorous college preparatory program of academics, extra-curricular activities, and personal discipline.