# The Last Among Us – Three Marian Invocations for the Holy Spirit
*2016-02-24*

> Bill Young reflects on the Gospel’s call to be the servant‑last and shares three Marian prayers invoking the Holy Spirit, linking the theme to the feast of Blessed Luke Belludi.

## The Gospel and the Call to Be Last

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the mother of two of the apostles that she cannot decide which son will sit at his right or left hand in heaven; only the Father can grant that. He then asks the apostles, “Are you willing to drink my cup?” and they answer, “Yes.” Jesus adds, “You must be a servant, the last among you.”

That teaching has stayed with me since elementary school. I was always last in the class—first alphabetically, then tallest, then by grades. A sister once told me that a classmate named Paul, who was top of the class, had arranged the rankings so I would be last. At the time I was confused, but fifty years later I see how being placed last taught me humility and the true meaning of service.

## The Feast of Blessed Luke Belludi

Today is also the feast of Blessed Luke Belludi (c.1200‑c.1285). In 1220, while St. Anthony was preaching in Padua, the young nobleman Luke approached him and humbly asked to receive the habit of the Franciscans. He was granted that wish, showing that even a noble can become a servant. His story echoes the Gospel’s message that the first will become last and the last will become first.

## Three Marian Invocations for the Holy Spirit

Let us now pray three invocations to Mary, asking her intercession for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

1. “Most pure Virgin, who in the mystery of the Incarnation became the true Mother of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, pray for us. May the divine Pentecost come soon and renew the face of the earth.”

2. “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now at the hour of our death. Amen.”

3. “O most pure Virgin, who became the chosen tabernacle of divinity by the Holy Spirit, pray for us. Send forth the Spirit, that the earth may be renewed. May your Spirit come, O Lord, and transform us with His gifts, creating in us a new heart to do your will through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

## A Closing Prayer for Servant Leaders

Lord, grant to all who seek positions of authority the grace to serve rather than to be served. May the Holy Spirit fill them with humility, so that they become true shepherds of your people. Amen.

*Being placed last can be a profound invitation to become the servant‑first that Christ calls us to be.*