The word abide is prominent in the Easter readings. Like the early disciples and his followers today, we desire Jesus to remain with us, be with us, and not leave us. The uncertainty existing in the hearts and minds of the early disciples for Jesus to physically remain has been matched through the years in crisis after crisis impacting the world. Today is no exception.
The virus continues lurking, ready to raise its ugly head and is not going away soon enough. Throughout the Easter season the Paschal candle has been such a hopeful reminder of Jesus’ presence. There it has stood stately and beautiful by the ambo, a visible sign and a source of comfort during these unusual and scary times, a reminder of Christ’s abiding presence. On Pentecost, at the close of evening prayer the candle will be extinguished and removed. This year the anticipated loss intensifies.
Yet in our continued sequestered monastery, I
can hear the same promise of Jesus’ words, words that speak comfort and
promise: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go
away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go I
will send him to you.” John
16:7
In this time of pandemic and social isolation
the promise of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, the one who advocates, comforts and
assures us of continuing presence until the end of time renews hope. The Spirit
of God will come and abide with us. The
Spirit bring gifts that aid the world with wisdom, knowledge, understanding,
fortitude, piety, counsel, and fear of the Lord. These gifts offer healing to
our whole suffering world. Hopefully the wisdom and knowledge gifts will lead
to a vaccine for COVID-19.
The oh no, not yet, transforms into Come
Holy Spirit fill our hearts with the fire of your love and the countenance of
your peace.
Sr. Aileen Bankemper, OSB
Such a fitting meditation for this season of "abiding".Thank you Sr.Aileen.
ReplyDeleteThank you - what a timely and reassuring reflection.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDear Sister, thank you for this good message bringing the Holy Spirit to me. Surely the prayer and life of the sisters must be to strengthen the love of God's Spirit among the weak. In my work I have been learning about the Blessed Virgin and I have now turned to the Philippines to make a book of poems with a Philippine theme, a teaching vehicle, a journey. An important part of my irenistic endeavor is to emphasize the continuity of God's love through ancient times, even before the knowledge of Christ or the Father. This is healing. It enables me to understand more deeply the beautiful allegories and truths in the First Nation myths and stories. This is not a trivial knowledge. It is true also for N. American First Nations. There was a Great Spirit there and to find continuity must be correct. His love has no beginning and father and mother loved us the whole of the way, all of us, without exception. God bless OSB, Happy Easter & Happy Pentecost amen.
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