There are certain images that appear in different books of the Bible that indicate the power and presence of God. Two of those images are wind and fire. In the story of creation the first words of Genesis tell of the abyss and the mighty wind that swept over the waters. In the story of Exodus, the liberation of the Jews from slavery a column of fire led the Hebrews through the waters of the Sea. These are images of God’s presence and power. This passage from Acts includes both the wind and the fire as God is involved in the new creation, the Church. In Genesis because the people thought they were the equal of God they attempted to build a tower to the heavens. The result was that they could not understand one another. In the story of Pentecost people of different languages understood what was being preached. Sin brings about division and confusion. The Spirit beings about unity and harmony.
Another image is set before us in this passage of Paul’s to the Corinthians. The image is that of a body. There are many parts which serve different purposes but all contribute to the welfare of the body. So it is with the believers in the gospel. We are different in what we have to offer but through the Sprit who is the source of all our gifts we contribute to the well being of the community of believers. Through baptism we are united with the Lord and through the Spirit with one another.
The first word that Jesus says after His Resurrection is “Peace” and in case it is not heard He says it again. The Risen Lord brings to us the gift of forgiveness. We are forgiven and with this gift of peace and forgiveness each of us is to bring forgiveness and mercy to one another.
Most of us would not be able to say much about barometric pressure. Yet we know it can make a difference. Usually high pressure means good weather and low pressure brings storms. This morning Father Velo made a suggestion about a restaurant. I indicated that I did not care for that restaurant because I don’t find it very friendly or gracious. We don’t know what makes up present and when it is absent. There are also the experiences of listening to some individuals go on at length on a topic. When one finishes we conclude that person is knowledgeable in that field. When another person finishes it is obvious that he or she does not have a clue about the topic. We may not be able to define what intelligence or wisdom is but we know it when we experience it.
In a similar way most of us would be at a loss as to what spirit is. Yet we can tell when a person is alive with enthusiasm or a group has vitality and a couple is madly in love with one another. The sprit of individuals and groups is communicated by how they act and who they are.
Few of us would say "We have known, seen or heard the Holy Spirit". Yet that does not mean the Holy Spirit does not exist or that the Holy Spirit has not been a part of our lives. For example when we hear about the death of a friend a coworker or along ago classmate or buddy we sense sadness and a loss. There is a movement within us to express our sympathy to the family. It may be the end of the day and we are exhausted but we make our way to the funeral parlor to express our sympathy and offer our support feeble though it may be. The Holy Sprit moving our heart to bring a meal to a family who is grieving or some one who has recently returned from the hospital. The human soul reaching out to another is the work of the Holy Spirit uniting us with God. How often have we thought of that?
Perhaps we have vented our anger at someone over what was said or what was not done. We depended upon them. We trusted them. They messed up. They failed us, perhaps even betrayed us. Time passes. The damage lingers and our memories often return to what was done. Then it may just happen that the person who has caused the hurt and wound comes to us in genuine sorrow with a request for forgiveness and a plea to start again. When we are able to accept the apology and forgive we set the person free. We also set ourselves free. We may not be able to describe the Holy Spirit. We may never have heard the Holy Spirit speak. We are not always sure that there is a Holy Spirit or what it means. Yet when we forgive, when we turn the other cheek, when we admit we had been wrong, when we let go of our prejudices and biases and see situations and others in a different light we have been embraced and swept up by the Holy Spirit.
The apostles on the night of Easter were terrified as they huddle together in the upper room. In time they were able to witness and proclaim before others what they believed. They were amazed. That is the essence of the Holy Spirit. We begin to act as well as think in ways we would never have suspected. When we are wiser, when we are more courageous, when we listen and learn from others, when we persevere rather than give up. Those are instances when you and I have been touched by the Holy Spirit who was promised by Jesus. With God’s Spirit we are never alone. With God’s Spirit our lives are filled with wonders we never would have suspected.
Homily preached at the 5:00 Saturday and the 9:30 Sunday Liturgies
May 10/11 2008
Reverend William D. Mannion