Sunday Reflections

A few years ago, a book hit the bestseller lists entitled “The World Needs More Canada.” In contemplating today’s readings in the context of our chaotic world, I suggest that what the world really needs is more Holy Spirit.

How do you visualize the Holy Spirit? As tongues of fire, as in the Acts of the Apostles? A blinding light and a voice from Heaven, like St. Paul experienced on the road to Damascus? The dove from heaven that settled over Jesus when he was baptized by John? Or like the sound of the rushing wind?

After each of these events, those receiving the Holy Spirit became transformed and took action. The apostles went out to preach without fear, and were understood by people of every language. St. Paul stopped persecuting Christians and travelled throughout the known world to spread the Word of God. After Jesus’ baptism, he began to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel.

Today’s Gospel from John presents a somewhat different experience of the Holy Spirit. First, Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” Not once, but twice. Then he breathes on his followers. No blinding lights or rushing winds or dancing flames or white birds. He simply breathes and says “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Then he gives the Apostles the power to forgive sins. Peace. Breath. Forgiveness. Quiet but powerful gifts.

We have all received the Holy Spirit at our Baptism and Confirmation. In today’s second reading, St Paul tells us, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good,” each in our own way and according to our gifts. How do we discern this calling? Where will we find the strength and guidance to follow this path?

To hear the breathing of another we need to be silent. To be at peace, we need to let go of our endless worries and wants. In today’s hectic society, finding a quiet moment of peace can be difficult. Let us start in small ways. Take a few slow breaths and ask for peace while sitting at a red light, when waiting on hold, and before we jump out of bed in the morning. Make this habit of stillness a regular one. Once we are still, we are ready to listen.

Richard Rohr suggests that without a conscious engagement with the Spirit, prayer can become merely functional, lacking depth and connection. He suggests that a deeper relationship to the Spirit can lead to a more profound spiritual life.

One tool he has created is called The Litany of the Holy Spirit. It is a meditation on 65 names for the Holy Spirit, encouraging us to find those we connect with. Using these names in prayer can help us deepen our awareness of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. You might want to listen and discover what images appeal to you. Litany of the Holy Spirit | 12-Minute Meditation with Richard Rohr

Try incorporating one or more of these images into your daily prayer. Contemplate the ways in which the Spirit has already acted in your life. Pray to the Holy Spirit, ask for guidance and listen. Be quiet, be at peace, and breathe.