The Mighty Wind

Dear Friend,

Peace and all good!

In the fear-filled room where the disciples have locked themselves away, Jesus comes and breathes on them, like “the mighty wind” (the Spirit in some translations) that swept over the waters at the first moment of creation (Gen. 1:2). Jesus offers us nothing less than the divine breath that gave life to the first human being, Adam (Gen. 2:7). Today Jesus comes to bring us the abundance of life in the Spirit – as in Genesis, even in the midst of confusion and chaos!

What is the Spirit bringing to life within you and among us today? As individuals, and for us as a parish – Where do you sense the Spirit at work within and among us? Like the disciples in that room, our minds and hearts are full of important experiences and memories. From all we’ve been given, Jesus wants to bring more and fuller life.

There’s more. Jesus is not just bringing us to life and leaving us alone. He does not allow us to wallow in our predicament – however you might want to name that. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus sends his disciples out on a mission of reconciliation. As we have heard in earlier Easter season gospel texts: “Go and bear fruit that will remain.” Where is Jesus sending us? In which directions do you sense the Spirit directing you, individually, and where do you sense Jesus sending us as a parish? What new directions are being indicated?

I present these questions as prompts for our discernment as a parish community at this important time of Pentecost. An opportunity is offered to us - let’s say YES to growth in the Spirit and to the challenges we are invited to enter!

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm