Seventh Sunday of Easter – Solemnity of the Ascension
Reflecting on 1 Peter 3: 15-18
Last year we resolved to begin our Pentecost novena either last Thursday, or today. Imagine that all the readers of this column around the country are praying together, right now. Our prayer is that we would be ready to give a reason for our HOPE.
It’s hard to find HOPE at times, I know. As I read back on last year’s novena, I see heartfelt prayers for a swift end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. We prayed that Vladimir Putin would have a conversion experience. We prayed that those who were trapped in Ukraine would find a safe way out.
We prayed this novena for nine days, right up to Pentecost of last year. I’m going to pray it again this year, and for as long as it takes. But I want to suggest another novena that’s closer to home this year.
It was so inspiring—so HOPEFUL—to see the lines of cars lined up last month in our parish parking lot. They had come to surrender any weapons from their homes. We recovered 108 guns, several of which were assault weapons. It’s a drop in the bucket, of course, but there’s no stopping a moment whose time has come. And so, I offer this Novena Prayer:
O God of peace, save us from ourselves.
This year has brought another terrible war, and so much suffering. But this is the reason for our HOPE: hearts can be changed. Change our hearts this day. We pray in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Who are you praying for in your Pentecost novena?
Kathy McGovern ©2026