The Gaudete Ensemble sings Ave Maria by Margaret Rizza.

Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.

Acts 1:12-14

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

After the Ascension of Jesus, his disciples, the women and the men, including Mary his mother, were at prayer. How did they pray? What were they actually doing? How do you picture their prayer?

We might imagine them praying with the psalms and the use of other prayers and liturgies known by heart. Perhaps there was a re-reading of the prophets and finding the story of Jesus prefigured in ways they had not seen before. They may have sometimes used their own words as people do today in prayer groups. Maybe a candle would have been lit, and all would sit in silence, remembering the last few days, weeks, years with Jesus. Be with them in that space for a little while...

As you listen again to the passage, consider the different characters who make up this early Church.

Acts 1:12-14

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

To which individual or grouping are you most drawn to from this time of prayer? Find a place with them in particular, and talk or sit in silence together. You might want to imagine them with you as you talk to Jesus about your experience there...

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen