Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“‘You must be born from above.’
The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
This verse about the Holy Spirit (John 3: 7) is so important verse it bears repeating. And so we heard it yesterday and today.
The twentieth century saw a rebirth of wonder in the Holy Spirit among Protestants and Catholics. Historically, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit was honored more among the Eastern Orthodox churches, especially in their liturgical ceremonies. The western churches and denominations were often preoccupied with the ascendancy of God the Father and the pastoral care of the Suffering Servant Jesus; they were less interested in the dynamic, energizing presence of the Holy Spirit. Salvation meant an escape from this Vale of Tears to Heavenly Rest in Peace; it had nothing to do with full living in this present world.
The twentieth century also saw a rebirth of wonder in the scriptures, especially as historians attempted to describe who wrote the text, when, where, for whom, and why. Recovering the human origins of the bible, they saw more clearly the presence of the Holy Spirit. Where anthropologists and historians recount the rise and fall of cities, the march of war, the progress of technology, and the development of ideas, theologians find the courage, integrity, and perseverance of God’s people. We cling to our faith through war and peace, persecutions, tolerance, settlements and migrations. Always we faithfully adapt and rebuilt our congregations; always we announce the love of God to a skeptical world.
Despite the impressive infrastructure of our basilicas, cathedrals, churches, chapels, and shrines the Church remains because the Holy Spirit directs and sustains us. The twentieth century has shown us how quickly massive buildings can be built, repurposed, or destroyed; we have no great investment in them. We keep the faith because we believe in God and God believes in us.
The Spirit of God faces a particular challenge today, as the pandemic subsides and life discovers a new normal. Will the Church rebound? Or continue her downward course as fewer Americans turn to her for direction, reassurance, and challenge?
My bet is on the Holy Spirit. I am waiting for a rebirth of wonder.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.