My living room ceiling fan is temperamental. Sometimes it keeps on
whirring when I push the remote control off button. Occasionally the device stops
on a dime. Other times the only way to stop the fan is to turn off the wall switch.
The hit or miss operation has not been solved by checking the circuit and
changing the battery.
I like that fan to work on command. Circulating air cools, as well as
neutralizes smoke and smells. When this winged wonder is working properly, it’s
one of my ‘biggest fans.’
This week we celebrate Pentecost—an event of ‘winged wonder.’ 50 days
after Easter the church gathers in recognition of the Holy Spirit, often depicted as
a dove. After his death and resurrection, when Jesus ascended into heaven, no
dove appeared like at his baptism in the Jordan. He simply left this earth in an
upward flight. For the disciples this must have had a whirling effect. I can
imagine they were both amazed and sorrowful over his leaving them. How could
they carry on?
Well, Jesus didn’t leave his disciples hot and bothered, alone in doing the
work he had begun. He assured them the whirring wonder of dynamic energy
operating since the beginning of time would be with them. So it was that first
Pentecost the wind of the Spirit blew through their assembly.
Hearts were stirred, tongues were loosened and Christ’s mission was set
on fire. Over 2000 years the commission of early followers continued to fan
flames of ministry and service in Jesus’ Name. The Winged Wonder keeps on
calling, gathering and enlightening the faithful.
I’m thinking the Holy Spirit is like a ceiling fan. Plugged into Divine
Current, this third person of the Trinity fills our life spaces. At times it goes round
and round to help cool our jets, stirring the infinite love of God, clearing the air
and connecting the dots. Spirit doesn’t just pass over. It permeates every breath
and action, charging us to share Good News. Do you wonder how we can
possibly do that?
Obviously we don’t have wings to fly to the nations of the world—even
across the street to bear witness. But we do have the Winged Wonder to remind
us that in Christ Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit we are called Beloved.
Each of us is a unique created, redeemed, sanctified little fan of the Holy One.
Pastor Judy
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