Jesus tells the Apostles that they are to return to Jerusalem, and wait, and they will receive power from on high. Thus begins the first novena of the Church—nine days of prayer. The Eleven (Judas is dead) gather in the Upper Room with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and others who are not identified, to wait in prayer for the coming of the Spirit.
    
On Pentecost Sunday the Spirit came in the form of a strong driving wind and tongues of fire, and the Church was born, and the frightened, timid first Christians went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began fearlessly proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah and the Lord of the Universe. Three thousand joined the Church that day.
    
We celebrate Pentecost Sunday next week.