*PENTECOST NOVENA* *Day 5 - Counsel* The Twelve called a full meeting of the disciples and addressed them, “It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom, to whom we can hand over this duty. We ourselves will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.” The whole assembly ap- proved of this proposal and elected Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They pre- sented these to the apostles, and after prayer they laid their hands on them. Acts, 6: 1-7 *Reflection* Counsel builds on both wisdom and understanding. It inspires us to judge rightly what we should do in a particular situation, to act cor- rectly in times of trial, to do as Jesus would do. It frees us from the limitations of our purely emotional responses and personal prejudices, and leads us from a self-centred “me” to a self-sacrificing “we”. What decisions and choices do I most need God’s guidance for in my life at this time? The gift of counsel allows us to apply the principles of our faith to the decisions and actions of our daily lives, and so to be truly an “alter Christus”, “another Christ” to the world. *Prayer* Come, O Spirit of Counsel! Help and guide us in all Your ways Inspire in us the desire to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God so that we may show the face of Christ to the world. Amen. Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Spirit... Prayer for the Seven Gifts...