She’s like the wind...
This week’s text - John 20:19-23
The text this week is from John’s version of the Spirit’s arrival, and also will be read shortly after the Acts account of Pentecost - the spirit showing up as a wind and flame and Peter standing to preach after the disciples speak in tongues and 3000 are added to the ranks.
But the question for today is - how do we trust God when the spirit shows up as it will, like the wind? Of course, the irony is that our entire existence depends on the continued love of God and the sustaining and ongoing power of God’s creation, which is continuing now, in every cell of our body, in every galaxy of all the universe. What other evidence do we need than each continuing breath we breathe, each heartbeat?
But life is crazy, the world unpredictable< the future unseeable, and we do need more than just trust and hope in God. Thus, when the spirit does show up - we have inspiration and forgiveness and hope and love and Christ’s presence! But it is unpredictable, and combined with that, so is our perception, our receptivity to Gods’ activity. Just like going fishing, when a walleye bites, it is often hard to feel it! Now a bass or a norther, you know something nailed the line! but often times walleye just overtake the lure or subtly bite, and then you have to be paying attention. You have to know the difference between snagging a weed or bumping the bottom. You have to feel the difference between background noise and a solid signal - and that can take experience, patience, attention, and skill. (also why I’m terrible at catching walleye!)
What are some ways you might develop that ability?
How might you look for the Spirit’s activity and develop an awareness of God’s presence in your life?
Could prayer and reflection be useful here? How about conversations and reflection with friends or acquaintances whom you feel have this skill?
What might you hope to perceive as you listen for and look for God? How might resting in God’s presence affect you?
Prayer: Thank you God that you blow around like the wind - acting in obvious and subtle ways in our lives. Encourage us and strengthen our hearts to be open and vulnerable to you and your presence in our lives, neighbors, and the situations we encounter each day. Amen.