Breathing in the Spirit

We often miss it, but the writers of scripture offer several ways to describe the Spirit and to depict her work in the world. Luke in the Book of Acts offers us drama. The Spirit comes with whistling wind and appears like tongues of flame settling on each disciple, both men and women. They are driven out and speak in languages they could not know. People far from home hear the language that speaks to their souls with hints of all they left behind.

In John Jesus breathes the Spirit on each of those gathered. No whistling wind. No tongues of flame. A gentle breath they inhale in shock. As they breathe they know in their bones they are deeply held in love; and just as Paul will later say, there in nothing in all creation that can separate them from this love. These disciples are not driven out, but go home to fish. The love takes time to sink roots deep enough that with some fish and bread the first fruits appear. Only then do they remember all that Jesus taught them about being in the same love that exists between Jesus and the Father. The Spirit comforts and teaches and they know again and begin to sparkle in Divine Love.

Which of these images speaks to us this Pentecost? Which do we need to embrace? Are we being driven out with drama and flame, or invited again into the breath of love and life?