Reflection
In the scriptures and in life, the Holy Spirit is everywhere. Given that the same Hebrew word (Ruah) means both “spirit” and “breath,” we can envision the Spirit filling us with every breath we take, literally giving us life. In addition, the Spirit is often named Sophia in the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures and beautifully described as Wisdom personified. Sophia Wisdom teaches and guides, acting as the voice of God within us. Jesus himself was “brought to life in the Spirit” and promised us the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, to be with us always. The Holy Spirit sustains us, speaks to us, and works to accomplish God’s will in us. It’s really quite miraculous!
But Jesus isn’t letting us off the hook by giving us such an Advocate. It’s not easy to live a Spirit-filled life. It delivers a mandate to bring healing, to develop faith so deep that we’re willing to suffer for it, to be consistently faithful to God’s commands above all else, and to love one another as God loves us. It demands change, letting go of things we cling to, stretching beyond where we want to go, and striving to increasingly live like Jesus did.
Throughout this Easter season, then, as people sealed with the Holy Spirit, we need to examine how well we’re living up to those responsibilities and challenges. How are we allowing the Spirit to show up in us?
For instance: Am I kind and gentle? Do I seek wisdom and knowledge beyond what I hold as my own opinion or belief? Do I bear with others, knowing that I, too, am flawed and imperfect? Do I go out of my way to know and learn about people who are different from me, and to stand up for them when they are unjustly treated? Can I hold my tongue when I’m tempted to lash out in anger and blame? Does my daily prayer practice bring deep inner peace, joy, and freedom, to myself and to those around me? Do others know me by my love and faith? How likely would they be to say that I live in a Christ-like manner? In what ways do I need to more fully accept the Spirit who longs to fill every aspect of my being?
It’s a tall order to be a resurrection people sealed with the Spirit! I suggest that each of us contemplate these questions and more over the weeks of the Easter season.
We can’t do everything at once, but becoming aware of where we need the Spirit’s help is the first step.
Then take the second step. And the third. Remember: Although this is a tall order, it’s not one that the God who came, lived, died, and rose can’t fill!
