Love Calls Us to Listen to Strong Winds and Whispers
“Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind . . .” (Acts 2:2)
This reading for Pentecost shows that sometimes we recognize the Spirit in strong driving winds. But other times, Spirit speaks in quiet whispering sounds.
Jessica Powers, OCD begins one of her poems with, “To live with the Spirit of God is to be a listener.”
Isn’t that what we’re doing now? Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and associates are listening to each other and asking, “What do you hear?”
- We hear the desperate pleas of people at our southern border, asking for a chance to live in safety.
- Our hearts ache as we hear the cries of people in poorer countries begging for COVID-19 vaccine and oxygen to keep them alive.
- We confess our past complicity in adding to the anguish and fear of our brothers and sisters whose skin color differs from ours.
We listen to each other and ask, “What can we do,” knowing our response will flow from love. For as Jessica continues, “To live with the Spirit of God is to be a lover. It is becoming love.”
Indeed, it is our love for God, for God’s people, and for each other that calls us to listen and respond together as a congregation to the pressing needs of our day. And so we pray:
Come, Spirit of Love — Move where You will!
(“To Live With the Spirit,” by Jessica Powers, OCD in The House at Rest, copyright 1984)
Thank you, Linda. Spent some time this morning reflecting on how I listen to the whispers and to the loud thunderbursts coming often in the summer months. How true it is how all of us try to listen to the cries of
our brothers and sisters especially when every day we learn more about the many critical events that we
are living thru and giving mindfully to others. Again, thank you Linda. I will use this reflection for a long time.
Joanne
Thanks, Linda, for deep wise words for Pentecost and for us as we journey toward Assembly. Listen and Love says it all. Much to ponder.
Gratefully,
Marilyn
Thank you, Linda, for this deep reflection. This is one to be visited again many times.
Linda, thanks so much. Your reflection is a great reminder to Listen to others with an energy of love. May we continue to respond with open listening hearts to the needs of others. Blessed Spirit Day. Elizabeth
Thank you Linda! You are so right about listening with love and then doing what we are able with the Spirit.
Thanks, Linda, for a beautiful reflection on Pentecost and the Spirit in our lives. Jessica Powers poem is so perfect for this day and time. A blessed Pentecost to you.
Colleen
Individually and together we so need the Spirit of Love and Wisdom now. Your reflection prods me to listen, discern and act with the Spirit’s lead, Linda. Thank you for this meaningful Pentecost reflection. I join you in praying: “Come Spirit of Love, Move where You will.”
Kathleen
Linda, thank you, so good and sound. During this season of Mary and Spirit, I’m singing in my heart of the poem, Blessed Mother Compared to the Air We Breathe.
What a perfect reflection, Linda, for this day and time in our congregation’s story and the story of our fragile world! It beckons more than one savoring….