Jesus promised to send an Advocate, the Holy Spirit. Have you ever thought about all the different images we have of the Holy Spirit? Fr. Brian Strassburger, SJ, reflects on these images and what they tell us about the gift of the Holy Spirit. Based on the readings for Sunday, May 14, 2023.
Look! It’s a bird! It’s a flame! It’s…the Holy Spirit!
Hi, I’m Fr. Brian Strassburger, and this is my One-Minute Homily.
Jesus promises to send his disciples the Holy Spirit that will always be with them, and continues to be with us today. But have you ever noticed how many different images we have for the Holy Spirit? It is described as a strong wind, a descending dove, and tongues of fire. Those are pretty different images.
But all these images reveal different aspects of the Holy Spirit. Like the wind, the Holy Spirit moves us and propels us forward in our faith life. Like the image of the dove, the Holy Spirit strives to bring peace to our hearts and to our world. Like a flame, the Holy Spirit burns within us and fuels our passions.
Isn’t it great that we have so many images?
I invite you to reflect on the image of the Holy Spirit that most speaks to you. And let’s pray that the Spirit might continue to accompany and guide us in our journey of faith.
