In this week between Ascension and Pentecost, the promise of Jesus that “the Holy Spirit will teach you all things” rings clear. There’s a whole lot I need to be taught these days—-like what to believe about North Korea, Israel, the US/ Mexican border and China, as well as what can be done about hunger, disease and terrorism. I’d love to have a window into the truth of how to really live together in peace, starting with my own city, and extending into our country, church and world.
The Holy Spirit will teach you . . . . I believe this. But we must work hard at helping one another arrive at truth. If the truth will make us free, which Jesus also said, then we need to get better at searching together for it. Why does so much communication have the effect of shutting people down instead of opening a path to shared wisdom?
As we celebrate the Holy Spirit among us, the Wisdom and Truth of God, we might take up this prayer from World Communications Day. Praying and living what it says could lead us to find what we all desire.
People can usually report the wounds and hurts they’ve been dealt in life. It’s easy to recall every detail of insults or failures or even simple disappointments. But what about all the Easter moments?
On one of my final days in Rome last week, I woke up to quite a surprise when the city was blanketed in snow. Many took on the delight of children again, making snow “people,” running and laughing with joy. Everything else seemed to come to a stop. It became for me a good day to pack and prepare to return home.
State University in Joplin, Missouri, we have 27 open and committed university students participating in the Busy Student Retreat. Together, we listen to the Spirit of God, who leads us ever deeper into prayer, faith, and the life journey with Jesus. What could be better?
This morning, as I reflected on the story of Mary, I felt awe at the miracle that occurred for her. When the angel tells her she’ll bear a son whose kingdom will never end, she learns it will happen by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that “nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary’s simple yes is: “May it be done to me according to your word.” It sounds so easy—maybe because we’ve heard the story so many times. But imagine the miracle she was saying yes to. She recognized it, consented to it, and lived it.
What wonders happen in our everyday lives? Do we take time to relish them, be grateful, and agree to God’s power acting in us? Perhaps a family member has recovered from illness. . . a work project’s been successful . . . a friendship strengthened. Has a winter sunrise amazed you . . . a warm fire comforted you? Remember that fantastic solar eclipse in August? Listen closely to the miracles in your life, and say “YES.” That’s the true music of Christmas.
