Presence, understanding and love
The Holy Spirit
Easter 6C - Acts 16:9-15; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 5:1-9 [or John 14:23-29].
For the last two weeks of the Easter season it’s all about the Holy Spirit which, in the Book of Acts, will show up on Pentecost.1 Of course, the Holy Spirit was not new on Pentecost. She has been here at least since “In the beginning…” and is always and everywhere present in the world.
I often associate the Holy Spirit with times in my life that are joyous, affirming and about possibilities. But if the Holy Spirit is an aspect of God, always and everywhere present in the world, she’s about more than my personal happiness.
If the Holy Spirit is an aspect of God, she must know the joys and yearnings of many. Of everyone. You. Me. As well as those who are living awful realities. Innocent men deported to a no-release-ever prison. Black Americans watching Trump promote white supremacy. Gazan parents unable to feed their children.
Perhaps when we hear those voices and understand them as if the lives at stake were our own, it is because the Holy Spirit is present in and to us. As it was present to Paul in the first reading, when he had a dream and heard a man he had never met say “Help us.”
Of course, not everyone can find the right words. Sometimes it’s just too confusing. We say we’re “fine,” even though we know we’re not. We don’t know what’s wrong, why its hurts or what to ask for. That’s the man in the gospel reading. He has been ill for 38 years — so long that his despair has robbed him of the ability to hope or even to answer Jesus’ simple question.2 When that is us, as Paul will write elsewhere, the Spirit intercedes for us too “with sighs too deep for words.” Romans 8:26.
The Holy Spirit is about God’s presence, understanding and love. She is present to all of us, helps us understand one another and knows what is in us that we cannot say. She is a gift of God which, as the collect3 says, surpasses our understanding.
It is a wonderful thing to have these last two weeks of Easter to give thanks for her.
Peace.
Photo by Uğur Ahmet Yaşar on Unsplash
This year, Pentecost Sunday is June 8.
[Jesus] said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:6
Collect of Easter 6, BCP 225.
So much to be said about spirit....feeling spirited, feeling a loss of spirit, ....vital clues as we make our way in the world as an individual , a community, a nation. It is hopeful to remember the presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of chaos. Thank you Lily.
To be known and connected to others is such a great gift. Beautiful reflection Lily. Thank you.