Ordinary Time

Pause

Holy Spirit, come breathe on me.

Awaken me to your presence.

Steady me in your truth.

Holy Spirit, come breathe on me.

Listen

Nicodemus asked, “How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?”

Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 3:4-6

Think

Birthdays = cake = sugar = life is good. I’m a huge birthday celebrator. If it’s a friend’s birthday, hooray. If it’s my birthday, even better! Good food (barbecue), special desserts (ice cream cake), and balloons and gifts and family and friends — could there be a better day? Not in my book.

But maybe there is. In the Good Book, there may be something even better. Today’s Scripture passage tells us that the day we are born in the Spirit is a day to be remembered. When we are born in the Spirit, we are born with the presence of God who is always with us no matter where we go, what we’ve done or have yet to do, and even when we don’t feel like a faithful follower of Christ. The truth is: God is with us. Always and forever, God is with us. If that doesn’t call for a celebration, then I don’t know what does.

Aram Bae

Pray

God, you are the living Spirit who is alive and at work in my life and in this world. Help me to be a faithful disciple of Christ and to remember that I am born in your Spirit, every day. I thank you for being with me, always and forever. Amen.

Go

Spirit of the living God, be alive and real in my life.

Spirit of a loving God, be near and true to your word.

Spirit of a just God, be honored in what I say and do.