Pentecost
I recently met a woman at one of our renewals who said she was troubled by the word “power”. She has heard women speaking about how they want to have a share in the church’s power. It seemed to her that women wanted to take over the leadership. To her the word “power” connoted something negative and controlling. She then went on to say that she also knows that we often speak of the “power of the Holy Spirit.” At this point I said “ah ha” so perhaps there is a good power!! I think of novels I have read or films I have seen, or certain encounters with people and I come away saying “that was really a powerful experience.” My emotions were moved, my heart was expanded, my life somehow was changed if even just a little bit through the experience.
As we think about the Holy Spirit we, indeed, can think about good power. I don’t believe we give the Holy Spirit enough credit. We go about our days somewhat oblivious of the daily workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Yesterday a friend wrote to us about a very difficult family problem. We each got the email. We were devastated by the news, but then talked about it among ourselves. Subsequently, each of us was able to respond with an email back, but sharing first among ourselves about what we could do to help. It turns out it was the response that helped move the individuals toward healing and a resolution. All of us do countless problem solving actions throughout a normal day. Where do these good ideas come from? An atheist would say “healthy genes in the development of the human brain.” While this is totally true, we people of faith believe that there is another power that interfaces with good brains. We call it the Holy Spirit. I think of world leaders who are attempting to initiate peace where there is conflict. I think of those who are addressing health care issues, global poverty issues, the issues of injustice. These are tough problems. But people are moved to use their gifts and skills in this manner. There has to be a super power behind it all; the tasks are just too daunting!
We can’t see the Holy Spirit, we can only see the effects of the power of the Holy Spirit. On a windy day we can see the trees moving, we can feel the breeze on our faces and see our hair blowing. But we can’t really see the wind, only its effects. Try today to notice the effects of the Holy Spirit working through you…and through others as well. I will do this too. I think it is a simple way you and I can stay hopeful in the midst of this current economic crisis and the current global crises of oppression and war, or in the midst of personal and family difficulties.
The Holy Spirit is alive and well in each of us, Christians and non Christians alike, in awesome ways! Wherever good is being done, there is the Holy Spirit. That’s powerful.
Happy Pentecost!
Sr. Joan