Come Holy Spirit

There is something to be said for the Spirit of peace and concord, the Spirit who smooths ruffled feathers and soothes our souls. She’s easy to get along with and welcome at most gatherings.

Then there’s the nine o’clock in the morning Spirit who’s had way too much caffeine and won’t settle down until we’re dancing on tables with her and ready to bear witness to gospel truth and love with our whole life.

Then there is the Spirit who is not quite so comforting or celebratory, one that we rarely seek, but she leaves us no less transformed, often changed forever. This is the Spirit who howls across our lives, blowing down walls and overturning the furniture. This is the Spirit whose flames burn the dross of our lives and scorch us with grace.

I once watched a firefighter step out of a burning building. For about three steps, there were flames on and all around him. This is the picture I have of Pentecost. Flames that surrounded those present without consuming them!

After a spray of water, that firefighter was fine, but we could see that his protective gear had spots that were seared black. This is the experience of the Spirit of wind and flame that sometimes blows through our lives. She can leave us parched, breathless, and scorched. She makes it clear that the invocation of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharistic prayer may truly bring fire down on our heads.

It’s said that only a fool would pray for the Holy Spirit. Only fools for Christ would be willing to trust their fearful hearts to God and then risk being accused by their neighbors of drunk and disorderly conduct. Only fools for Christ would be willing to be blown about and risk the rendering of their souls by Holy Spirit fire.

Welcome to the club of fools where that sweet, sweet Spirit lays comfort in our hearts, sets our feet to dancing, and leaves us scorched with grace and stinking of holy fire.

–Sr. Miriam Elizabeth, OSH

How has the Holy Spirit met you in your life? What is the picture you have of Pentecost?

Photo by Tobias Rademacher/Unsplash