There is a special kind of liturgical poetry called a sequence. It was sung before the Gospel and often accompanied a longer Gospel procession on a special feast. The text explained the meaning of the feast using poetic imagery. Although the history of sequences is complex, the origin of this musical form can be dated at least back to the tenth century. Many sequences were composed for the Mass, but only two are required for use today, Easter and Pentecost. Also, one is recommended but not obligatory on Corpus Christi Sunday and on the celebration of Our Lady of Sorrows, September 15.
Use this prayer in preparation for the Pentecost Mass. Reflect on the images for the Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
And from your celestial home Shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor! Come, source of all our store!
Come, within our bosoms shine.
You, of comforters the best; You, the soul’s most welcome guest;
Sweet refreshment here below;
In our labor, rest most sweet; Grateful coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessed Light divine, Shine within these hearts of yours,
And our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought, Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew; Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful, who adore And confess you, evermore
In your sevenfold* gift descend;
Give them virtue’s sure reward; Give them your salvation, Lord;
Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.
*Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of God