May 23rd ,2010 • The Feast of Pentecost • Alleluia!
The Rushing Wind!
What if the air on our planet was suddenly sucked out into space? All
life that depended on oxygen would die immediately -- though
ironically the only people to live a little longer would be sick people who
were on oxygen machines! Thanks be to God that we’re surrounded with
life-giving air -- something that is so present that we take it for granted
and don’t really notice it. We DO notice the air when it moves, though.
Recent windy conditions on Long Island made us take notice as trees fell
and cut off electricity and crushed cars, etc.
On this, the 50th day of Easter, we’re told that on the first Pentecost
there was a loud rushing wind -- that was an outward sign of the Holy
Spirit rushing upon the disciples. Since then, the church has been
surrounded by the Spirit of God who gives us guidance, strength,
challenge and hope. And just as we can take the air for granted, we can
also take the Holy Spirit for granted since the Spirit always is there.
Today on this feast, let us pay attention to this Breath of God and
realize that the only reason we are able to breathe today is because God
gives us breath. What does God want us to do while we live and breathe
in this life? The Holy Spirit has the answer to this and during the
spiritual journey of our life we are to figure it out for ourselves.
We get major hints as to the meaning and purpose of our life when we
look to the talents and abilities that God gives us. We look to the
memorable aspects of our personalities and recognize that these qualities
remind us (and others) of God. We also can figure out who we’re meant
to be by looking at what brings us joy and fulfillment and what we’re
passionate about.
Now, if you don’t have passion right now or if you’re not feeling joy or
fulfillment, it doesn’t mean God has passed you over. In fact, during
those pockets of our lives when we’re less than complete, God is actually
calling us to something more wondrous. The old order is passing away
and something new is about to be born in us. That’s the way it is with
the Holy Spirit. So get ready to breathe in the rushing wind. The Spirit is
a-movin’.
