"Breath - A Sign of Life": Reflection for Pentecost, May 23,2010

Scripture for Pentecost: Acts of the Apostles 2: 1-11; 1Cor 12: 3-13; John 20; 19-23 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

Breath – A Sign of Life

Breath is such a natural part of life that we often do not think of breathing until difficulty arises. Then we become conscious of the importance of breath and its significance. Basically, breath is a sign of life!
Today, 50 days (“pente”) after Easter, Christians celebrate God’s Breath, God’s Sign of Life that fills God’s people and brings us to a new level of life (Acts of the Apostles, Corinthians).
In fact, today is celebrated as the Birth Day of the Christian community, the Church.
Just as every living being needs breath to live, so God’s People need God’s Breath, God’s Spirit, to live. God’s Spirit is the Dynamic Force that brings the church to life!
So we rejoice today that God's Spirit is with us, while, at the sametime rememberng that God's Word calls us to make this Gift meaningful in our lives.

To think about: Whose spirit guides me? Whose spirit energizes, directs, or inspires me?
Do I think of God’s Spirit as vital and alive, dynamic as an Enlivening Breath, a rush of wind, an energizing fire?
If I think of God’s Spirit dwelling within me, how do I treat my body, my mind, my own spirit?
If I think of God’s Spirit dwelling within others, how do I treat others (John)?

To do: Take time, even two-minute “vacations”, to rest and revive your spirit.
Once in a while try to put aside anxiety, worry, or regret - none of which really help change situations, anyway- and be conscious of your own breathing.
Try to breathe deeply, picturing God's Peace entering you with each breath.
In the midst of busy situations, be aware of God’s presence as a Guiding Spirit.
Select one place or relationship where you see a need for God’s Spirit to be more alive, and along with praying for that place or relationship, try to change one way you interact there.
Become actively involved in a work that helps people realize their own dignity as children of God.

To pray: Pick an image of God’s Spirit presented in Scripture: breath, wind, fire, or water, and pray “Spirit of God, be like _____ in my life today.” It might open up new ways for you to relate to God!

Next week: Trinity Sunday: Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31; Romans 5: 1-5; John 16: 12-15