Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. We’ll remember the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, looking like flames above their heads.
But how often do we think about this third person of the Trinity, much less call upon him? He’s been part of us since baptism, yet the Holy Spirit remains the least understood and least appreciated person of the Trinity. Maybe thinking about those flames might help.
When I think of fire, I first think of its destructive power, but why would God send us a destroyer? Well, there’s those nasty judgmental thoughts that continually pop up like weeds in my brain. Too often they also pop out of my mouth or show on my face. I would love for the Spirit to burn up that ugliness!
The Bible speaks of God as a refining fire. We know that intensely hot fire can turn brittle iron into strong steel. It can also shape any metal into useful forms. Scripture suggests that the Spirit does something similar with our souls. Remorse and regret are signs that the Spirit is refining and strengthening our conscience. Too often, I try to distract myself from that pain with TV, a book or a computer game. What I should do is head to confession, giving thanks that God loves me enough to correct me.
Fire is also light in the darkness. I certainly need light. The press tells me such discouraging stories each day. Advertisers pester me to buy more stuff. The entertainment media gets me all worked up about sex, government conspiracies and zombies. The result can be a kind of spiritual darkness. Perhaps I should say a quick prayer to the Spirit before I pick up the paper, turn on the TV or open my computer.
Fire is a defense. In the woods, hunters sleep close to the fire, which keeps away the dangerous animals. Regularly turning to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength could be like sleeping close to the fire. I imagine that ugly thoughts and fierce temptations would attack less often.
Fire warms us. We all know what it’s like to be cold and wet outside. We also know what it’s like to feel cold and miserable inside. At those times, we don’t care about acting grown up. We just want someone to just hold us close and keep us warm. Those Pentecostal flames suggest that the Spirit is that someone.
Fire is passion. Charismatic Christians remind us that our faith life should include excitement, fervor and joy. Christ is risen, and we are saved. If we can’t get excited about that, we need to turn on the music and get down with the loudest, happiest hymns we can find. King David danced before the Ark of the Covenant. Sometimes we too should dance, clap and shout out: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and enkindle in them the fire of your love.”
Fire is glory. Is there anything lovelier than a church filled with lighted candles? Is there anything more impressive than the glow of the volcano against the night sky or molten rock rolling red-black-red down to the sea? Aren’t fireworks the absolute best use of gunpowder ever? Sometimes we need to look up from our current concerns, turn our attention to the Lord and just say, “Wow!” We could ask the Spirit to remind us to do that.
Fire does so many things for us. I’m sure the Spirit is also doing far more in me than I realize. This Sunday I intend to wear red to Mass and tell him thanks.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo 96720, or email: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
