Ordinary Time

Pause

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Edward Mote in “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (1834)

Listen

Everything that the Father has is mine. That’s why I said that the Spirit takes what is mine and will proclaim it to you.

John 16:15

Think

When I was seven years old, I got really mad at my Sunday school teachers. They were talking about the death of Jesus, and I remember raising my voice and shouting, “It’s not fair that Jesus had to die and we didn’t get to meet him!” They assured me that I could still be Jesus’ friend and that the Holy Spirit was with me, too. But I wasn’t satisfied with their answer and continued to argue with them. (I was either theologically precocious or just really grouchy and needed a snack. I’ll let you decide.)

Jesus’ disciples weren’t satisfied either. Jesus is giving them his last instructions before he dies (Wait, what? You’re going to die?!), and they are freaking out and asking a zillion questions. Jesus tries to comfort them: Look, I’ll be back! God is still with you! I’m sending the Spirit to be with you!

The Spirit IS WITH YOU. Don’t be afraid. Take a deep breath. Stand tall, and stand firm knowing that the very Spirit of God is always with you — and within you.

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Pray

God, I sometimes forget that your Spirit is with me — and within me! Help me to slow down, take a deep breath, and remember that I am not alone. Your very breath is within me. Amen.

Go

There will be winds that blow against you, like storms against a lighthouse.

But go, knowing that the very Spirit of God is within you, stirring you to be brave, love always, and stand firm in God’s grace.