The Holy Spirit — Summerlea United

As we continue into the Season of Pentecost, there is so much to be said about the Holy Spirit, “the helper”, promised to the disciples and to us by Jesus before his departure.

For many years, I have been fascinated by the biblical writings about Spirit, and the thought that there would be something within to “tap into” in times of confusion and doubt.

While at St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon for the three-year learning circles required

for the DLM stream of ministry, many of my fellow students invited me to follow the daily meditations of Father Richard Rohr, an American Franciscan priest, working out of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Hereunder are some of his thoughts which are being shared in this Season of Pentecost.

The Immensity Within

Father Richard describes the Holy Spirit as the loving immensity of God’s presence within us:

On one level, soul, consciousness, love, and the Holy Spirit can all be thought of as one and the same. Each of these point to something that is larger than the self, shared with God, and even eternal. That’s what Jesus means when he speaks of “giving” us the Spirit or sharing his consciousness with us. One whose soul is thus awakened actually has “the mind of Christ” (see 1 Corinthians 2:10–16). That does not mean the person is psychologically or morally perfect, but such a transformed person does see things in a much more expanded and compassionate way. Paul calls it “a spiritual revolution of the mind” (Ephesians 4:23, Jerusalem Bible)—and it is!

Jesus calls this implanted Spirit the “Advocate” who is “with you and in you,” makes you live with the same life that he lives, and unites you to everything else (John 14:16–20). He goes on to say that this “Spirit of truth” will “teach you everything” and “remind you of all things” (John 14:26) as if you already knew this somehow. Talk about being well-equipped from a Secret Inner Source! It really is too good to believe!

There is an Inner Reminder and an Inner Rememberer (see John 14:26, 16:4) who holds together all the disparate and fragmented parts of our lives, who fills in all the gaps, who owns all the mistakes, who forgives all the failures—and who loves us into an ever-deeper life. This is the job description of the Holy Spirit, who is the spring that wells up within us (John 7:38–39)—and unto eternal time. This is the breath that warms and renews everything (John 20:22). These are the eyes that see beyond the momentary shadow and disguise of things (John 9); these are the tears that wash and cleanse the past (Matthew 5:4). And better yet, they are not only our tears but are actually the very presence and consolation of God within us (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).

You must contact this Immensity! You must look back at what seems like your life from the place of this Immensity. You must know that this Immensity is already within you. The only thing separating you from such Immensity is your unwillingness to trust such an utterly free grace, such a completely unmerited gift.

WOW! Don’t you want and need this in your own life? I know I certainly do!

This will be my last blog on Pentecost and the Spirit so I would also like to leave you with the words of my all-time favorite gospel hymn. It has been my personal anthem since 2007. Read the words, enjoy them. Sing out loud if you know the tune!

Come Holy Spirit
Chorus
Come Holy Spirit, I need You
Come sweet Spirit, I pray
Come in Your strength and Your power
Come in Your own gentle way
Verse 1
Come as a wisdom to children,

Come as new sight to the blind
Come Lord as strength to my weakness,

Take me, soul, body and mind
Verse 2
Come as a rest to the weary
Come as a balm for the sore
Come as a dew to my dryness
Fill me with joy evermore
Verse 3
Come like a spring in the desert
Come to the withered of soul
O let Your sweet healing power
Touch me and make me whole