Fire or Dove?

Stop.

In church art, the Holy Spirit is often represented as fire or a dove. Reflect on how you’ve seen those images in worship or church life. How would you portray the Spirit?

Listen.

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. – Romans 8:9a, 11

Reflect.

Tomorrow is Pentecost! Tomorrow, Christians around the world will celebrate that God sent the Spirit into our lives to guide us, teach us, and strengthen us for service. Because of this vibrant gift, we are never alone. We are constantly in God’s holy presence. We have what we need. 

The Holy Spirit can be overlooked in our tradition. We hear in the gospels about Jesus and his earthly ministry, giving us conversations and relationships that help us understand who he was for us. Throughout scripture, and especially in the Old Testament, we hear about revelations of God who created all things and guided the people. However, we never hear words quoted directly from the Holy Spirit. It is ephemeral, mysterious, hard to consider, and therefore, something that might be more difficult for us to consider in our faith. What could Pentecost mean for us? 

Maybe it’s enough to trust, as Paul writes in Romans, that the Spirit works through us. If God’s Spirit worked to bring Jesus from death to life – and the Spirit did! – then we can trust that the same Spirit brings us life, too.  

That gift of life will look different for everyone. Maybe that Spirit-born life guides you in your profession or relationships, calling you to service with and for others to God’s glory. Maybe that gift of life gives you the energy and endurance to face each day with compassion and grace for yourself and others. Maybe that gift of life is quite literal, sustaining your body through any suffering and granting wholeness. This is the Spirit’s work. It is real, it is present, and it is truly for you. 

When we celebrate Pentecost tomorrow, don’t let it be a recollection of an event from thousands of years ago. Let it be a reminder that that same Spirit which came to the disciples comes to you, today, tomorrow, and always.

Pray.

Spirit of life, be at work in me now. Grant me what I need. Challenge me to greater love and service. Inspire me to preach the gospel faithfully. Remind me of your constant presence. Fill me with gratitude for your enduring gift of everlasting life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Carry On.

Try making some Holy Spirit art. Whether it’s a collage, sketch, poem, or photo, make some representation of what the Spirit means for your life. Keep it someplace where it can remind you of the Spirit’s gift of life.