Reflection by Suellen Brewster

Today's Gospel: John 3: 7b-15

The other day someone accidentally left our backyard table’s umbrella open when a gust of wind came up. The umbrella was lifted out of its stand and table, flew across the yard and smashed into a window, tearing holes in the screens. It was a pretty calm day. The gust was unexpected. The person who left the umbrella assumed nothing would go awry.

Who can judge the wind? Parties, picnics and days at the beach have been ruined by the unpredictable wind. Throughout human history sailors have even died misjudging it! It is powerful, incalculable and uncontrollable.

And so it is with the Holy Spirit. In much of Christian art the Holy Spirit is symbolized by a dove, meek and mild. In Gaelic culture, however, a wild goose is often used. Anyone who has ever been snapped at by a goose can tell you, they are certainly not tame birds!

We would like to be able to calculate and control the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We would keep everyone we love safe, warm, well fed and on the road to heaven. But as Jesus tries to explain to Nicodemus, the road to heaven is not usually what we moms would consider safe. In fact, it always goes by way of the Cross.

Our job as mothers, and as daughters of the Father, is to trust that whichever way the Holy Spirit blows our life’s little ship, is the best and surest way to heaven. Only within God’s holy will is our safety found. Trusting Him and allowing Him to work in our lives may be more of an adventure than we think we are up for, but it is our well-set course to heaven.

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Ponder:

What unexpected and unwelcomed change brought graces of renewal and deeper faith into your life?

Pray:

Our Lady, Star of the Sea, help us to be trusting sailors on the Barque of Peter, no matter the blustery course set by the Holy Spirit.


Copyright 2020 Suellen Brewster

Suellen Brewster is a wife and mother, secretary, happy “revert” to the Catholic faith, and most importantly, beloved daughter of the Father. She writes from her home outside of Buffalo, NY where the long winters invite souls into quiet, prayer and reflection. Monthly articles can be found at Catholic Stand.

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