"The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; the wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." - John 3:8
Jesus is an excellent teacher who uses ordinary, familiar experiences to teach deep religious truths. Nicodemus was a "teacher of Israel" but Jesus did not choose to quote the law and prophets to explain this "born again" concept to him. Everyone can relate to the experience of feeling the wind against their body, not seeing it or knowing where it comes from or where it is going. We can hear the sound it makes.
Jesus is telling us, today, to pay attention. We are His followers, baptized in His Spirit. We are in the season of celebrating His triumph over evil, betrayal, maliciousness, and even death. He tells us to pay attention to that Spirit moving among us. Perhaps it is the urge to share an experience of grace with another. Maybe it is the inspiration to invite another to join us for Mass. "Where did that thought come from?", we might ask. "So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
The Spirit blows where it will. Go with the flow of the gentle breeze or the powerful wind. Listen for the sound. The Spirit will guide. That's how it is with us who are born of the Spirit. We can rely on Jesus' word.
How am I responding to the promptings of the Spirit in my life today?
Come, Holy Spirit, blow where You will. Give us the grace to be open to You. Amen.
Reflection by:
Sr. Cathy Cahill
Did you know...
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister of Allegany who has been ministering in the diocese since 1989, primarily in retreat work and spiritual direction, She is a member of the community at St. Clare Convent in Tampa.
