There’s all sorts of confusion this time of year about what readings are to be read and when, because some dioceses keep the feast of the Ascension on Thursday, while others move it to the following Sunday. Just make sure the liturgical ministers know well in advance what they’re supposed to do. (It saves them embarrassment—always a good thing!)

However, singing the same seasonal psalm—Psalm 118, the Easter psalm—is a good bet. Even if you choose different versions of that psalm for different Sundays, it works! (And gives the choir and music ministry a bit of a breather—always a good thing!)

But today’s first reading can be a leeetle awkward to find music for. Charismatic communities are probably more familiar than most with the separation of baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus from receiving the Holy Spirit. The age of Confirmation varied from diocese to diocese, further separating reception of the Spirit from baptism with water. What to do?

There’s a wonderful, simple hymn tune called ST. COLUMBA; it’s a traditional Irish tune in common meter, with a text by Edwin Hatch that prays to the Spirit. I particularly like the third verse in this context of today’s liturgies:

O breathe on me, O Breath of God,
My will to yours incline,
Until this selfish part of me
Glows with your fire divine.
O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God.

In singing/praying to the Breath of God, we are addressing the Holy Spirit. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word ruach means wind, breath or spirit. Think of the wind at Pentecost; think of the Spirit of God descending upon Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan. Think how the ruach, the Breath of God, fills us with life for all eternity. Take a deep breath!