Fifty days ago on Holy Saturday night, a new fire was lit and into the darkness of that gathering space came a spark of light. That light was passed from person to person, candle to candle until that darkness now sparkled, gleamed, glowed with a new fire, a new light.

For fifty days we have celebrated that new light, that new fire, that has taken place not only around us but within us. A new light that celebrates and brings the gifts of the Holy Spirit alive within us to guide, direct, encourage, and bless all we do.  

I remember the summer following my 8th grade in school as I prepared for Confirmation. We all had been told by our parish priest that the bishop would be asking us questions at Confirmation time. One of those questions would be regarding the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. We also needed to know what those gifts could bring to our lives if lived well.

Those seven gifts:

Wisdom: the ability to make good, sound, decisions.

Understanding: the ability to put the pieces together in a reasonable way.

Counsel: The ability to seek and give good and right direction to our lives and maybe help others in that same way.

Fortitude: the ability to stand strong in our faith and convictions even when a majority of what is said and done around us stands in opposition.

Knowledge: the ability to know God’s call and will for our lives.

Piety: the ability to recognize and honor the holy and sacred around us and within us and others.

Fear of the Lord: The ability to stand in awe and wonder of all that is holy, sacred, and inspiring with praise and glory.

These gifts not only are gifts but bring fruits of the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness. generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.

In looking around the world, I ponder what those gifts and fruits could bring about if I lived well.

That flame, these gifts and fruits, give us courage to live life to the full with trust and assurance that we walk with God.

The other day I sat by the lake. The wind was strong, the temperature warm, and the sun bright.  The pelicans and cormorants were flying high and soaring over the water. The waves dashed and splashed against the rocks.

The Spirit is alive and well, warming our hearts and living within all that knows life.  

Happy Pentecost!

– Netty Johnson, SSND