Wow



Opening Prayer

Here I am Lord,
Listening
Speak to me
within my heart and soul.
I am listening.

Acts 2:4


filled with the Holy Spirit

Reflection

Fifty days later and the disciples who are left are huddled together in room. Doors and windows barred against dangers real and imagined.

But there is nowhere left to go. Everyone here is an outcast; from family; community; Temple. All those who imagined themselves saved; who saw a vision of a new future; and now cannot bear the thought of another day.

The Lord had promised to send another; but in truth, they only wanted him.

Outside the Spirit paces the air, Breath of God, of Life. Why were their hearts and minds so closed when the promise of the Lord’s last kiss was waiting?

It is simple, they are children; afraid of the unknown; afraid for their lives; afraid of the might of the world; but they cannot be afraid no longer.

The Spirit roars - she has had enough of waiting – the children have work to do. Nature’s force surrounds the house howling and rattling at the shutters and with a heartbeat moves within. The disciples cower believing truly that this is the end - demons have come for their very souls.

The Spirit presses down on them; holding them tightly, until they open their mouths for one last gasp – and she is in - overcoming them with the power of Grace which drives out all other fears. A blaze of celebratory fire fills their hearts and explodes into the room.

The disciples are transformed, burning from within they speak in tongues of every nation and not only their tongues but their eyes, hearts and minds are witnesses to the Word.
No longer afraid or alone they stride out to carry the message of the Kingdom to all those who will listen.




Contemplation
Wow

There is really not another word for it is there. The Holy Spirit moves at her own pace. Certainly, at this time of the disciples lives it was a ‘hit the ground running’ sort of pace. From today many of the apostles and disciples never had a day’s rest.

We talk about life in the Spirit as a desirable part of our faith journey but we should be prepared for what we are saying ‘yes’ to ; because once you have accepted the Spirit’s influence it is
Her life that you are living. And you may prefer to be hiding in an upper room than take the challenge that she offers.

But she is with you; as is the Christ; as is the Father.

In contemplation, the presence of the Spirit can be a powerful and emotive experience; as a snowstorm on a mountain or a hot desert wind. It is a cleansing power; a driving energy;
she moves us out of our boxes and no box can contain her.

But in a time when, like the disciples, we may feel that we are not surrounded by friends, the Spirit’s energy is needed more than ever as the gift and guiding hand of our Lord.


Closing Prayer
May the blessing of the Sacred Three
The Father who gave us the Word
The Son who is the Word
The Spirit who opens the Word within us
Be with us today and evermore.
Amen

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