HOMILY FOR TUESDAY: SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER, Memorial of St Philip Neri, Priest

Acts 20:17-27; Psalm 68; John 17:1-11 ⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒

Today’s first reading presents us with the speech of Paul at his departure from Ephesus. He departed to Jerusalem in spite of the sorrows ahead. St Philip Neri says “The true servant of God acknowledges no other country but heaven.” Paul saw heaven; Jerusalem was only a transit and so the Holy Spirit took control of him. In the gospel, Jesus ended his departure speech with an excellent prayer for his disciples. That prayer is a blessed assurance for all those who focus on heaven irrespective of trials. St Philip Neri, pray for us.

Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit 

On my knees  before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant hears.” Amen.