You won’t be surprised to hear that it’s raining as I write this. We’ve had a wonderfully rainy, cool spring; perfect for the hostas and iris (and dandelions, unfortunately) in my yard. It’s amazing how rain pouring down brings such a beautiful and quick change to our earth.
 
Water is just one of the many symbols of the Holy Spirit. Water poured into an empty glass takes the shape of the glass. Do I invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within me, so I may become – as St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians – a temple of the Holy Spirit? When people look at me, can they recognize the Spirit inside? Water flowing as a creek or river smooths rocks, drops sediment here and there, carves new paths over time. Do I allow the Holy Spirit to smooth the rough edges of my life? Can I see its effects as it shapes my thoughts and actions? Am I patient enough to let it do its work? Water poured onto the ground fills air pockets, gives life, runs off and flows to the next dry place. Do I sense the Holy Spirit filling all the nooks and crannies of my heart and mind? Am I humble enough to follow its guidance to grow in faith, hope, and love? Do I let it flow freely out from me, into the next person who also needs its nourishment and refreshment?
 
We are all led by the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit. As we celebrate Pentecost today, let us truly sing, “Come, Holy Spirit, come!”