The men in prison were gathered in the sacred space at Rayburn Correctional Facility. In the chapel, inside the gates of a state prison, we prepared for Pentecost. On this Wednesday, when I visit the men of the Catholic community at Rayburn, we focused on the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We read the readings for this coming Sunday's feast and talked about the "awareness" of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I can only imagine that it may be difficult for men, imprisoned for their crimes yet trying to live faithful to the Gospel while in prison, may not always feel like the Holy Spirit is actively advocating for them. Of course He is; we just focused on our need to be aware. And we focused on our need to call on the Holy Spirit in our prayer life.
Just like what happened in that room in Jerusalem almost 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit strengthens and sustains these men to live lives of boldness. To proclaim to be a follower of Jesus Christ, to be a Christian and a practicing Catholic, while in prison, can be seen as weakness by the larger prison population. Surely, it can only be the power of the Holy Spirit that makes it possible for these men to endure and live their faith.
So even in prison we can hear: Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love!
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