Dear Parishioners,
THE BREATH OF LIFE
Breathing is one of the bodily functions that is most taken for granted. It has been described as a function that “requires no thought.” It is controlled by the autonomic nervous system which is also known as the “involuntary nervous system.” We breathe each day without thinking about it unless, for some reason something causes a disruption in our ability to take a breath. Then we are quite aware of this essential function.
It is probably no accident that Jesus chose to give the apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit with His breath. That act of breathing on His friends truly represented the “breath of life” in every sense of the word. Jesus was imparting to them the ability to go on living without His physical presence. Jesus knew what they were going to need to accomplish the work He needed them to do, so what better way than to give them “His life sustaining breath.”
We can all be comforted by the fact that the presence of the Holy Spirit within us was designed by our God to be part of our autonomic nervous system. The Spirit is at work in us sometimes without us ever knowing it. When we feel comfort despite our sadness, or encouragement despite our disappointment or strength despite our weakness – that is the Holy Spirit at work.
The “Breath of Life”- the Breath of God – what an incredible gift! It keeps us living in hope - in an “autonomic” way.
HAPPY FEAST OF PENTECOST!!!!
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Lito