Weekly Reflection 05/23/2021

REFLECTION FOR 5-23-21

 

“Breathe on me, O Breath of God…”

Breath is something that can be felt, bur not usually seen.   It is a gentle, but vital force.

Yet, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit arrived with loud, strong winds; tongues of fire; and everyone talking at once in different languages.  On this occasion, he instantly transformed a group of frightened, cowering peasants (the Apostles) into an empowered, courageous force to be reckoned with.  The Church needed a kick start, and the Holy Spirit was up to the task.

Ever since, the Holy Spirit has remained with us just as Jesus promised.  He has guided the Church through times of persecution and turmoil.  He has inspired simple folks to say and do great things.  The lives of the saints are wonderful examples of the Holy Spirit at work among God’s people.

And the Holy Spirit is alive and well today in Abingdon, Maryland.  Every time that someone is baptized or confirmed, the breath of God – the Holy Spirit – is breathed into that person.  And with the Holy Spirit comes the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and awe in God’s presence – everything we need to carry out the work of God on earth.

The Church has been around for 2000 years, but it still needs the faithful, infused with the Holy Spirit, to spread the good news and do the work of Jesus.

Can you feel the breath of God within you, urging you to set aside your fears and reservations to go out among his people and bring them his healing and his hope and his consolation?  There is so much to be accomplished, so many ways to help, so many people waiting for someone to make a difference in their lives.  Is that someone you?