I got a new smart watch. But there is something dumb about it. Every so often it tells me to remember to breathe. Huh? Why do I need to remember to breathe? Am I not breathing already? If I weren’t breathing, I would not be here.
We need to breathe. Without breath we would die. We can’t take one deep breath, store it up, and hold it in. Breathing is a process. It is something that continues. If we stop breathing at any moment, there is a serious problem.
Yesterday, was Pentecost Sunday. It was the day the Holy Spirit was given to the followers of Jesus. The translation for “spirit” in the New Testament is breath or wind.
The Spirit-filled life is one that is filled with the breath of God. We need him like the air that we breathe. If he is not living and dwelling with us at any given moment, there is a serious problem.
Living a Spirit-filled is a lot like breathing. It starts with breathing in the things of God. It is taking in the Word. It is receiving the Sacrament. It is having others pray with us and speak into our lives. It is everything we do to grow in discipleship.
Then there is the second part of breathing. That is exhaling. It is living out what we are learning. It is giving voice to what we believe. It is sharing the mercy and grace of God with others. You don’t keep it inside you, but you let it out.
Breathe in! Breathe out! Live the Spirit-filled life!
Reflection
- How would you describe a Spirit-filled life?
- Where is a Spirit-filled evident in your life?
Prayer
Thank you for the giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Breathe your breath of life into me. Help me to live a Spirit-filled life for the benefit of others around me and to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
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