She

28Oct
I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
-John 14:25-26


It’s taken me awhile to come around to the Holy Spirit. Growing up, we said “Holy Ghost,” which made this already mysterious presence sound kind of spooky. 


Lately though, I’ve been waking up to the Holy Spirit for two reasons. 

 

The first reason? If the Holy Spirit is an advocate, a teacher, a comforter who inspires peace, then awesome. My students at Tulane are arguably among the most privileged people ever to walk the earth. They enjoy freedoms, education, comforts, and conveniences undreamt of by even the wealthiest a century ago. And yet many of them are so wracked by anxiety sometimes they can’t even make it to class. I think what we could really use today isn’t more privilege - it’s peace.

 

The second reason would have scandalized the church I grew up in back in southern Virginia. I’ve started to use “she” for the Holy Spirit in the Nicene Creed. A former choir friend did this a few years ago, and my first reaction was, “Are we allowed to do that?” My next thought was, “That feels comforting.”

 

It’s a personal choice. I’m not saying “she” to start a revolution, or even a debate. I haven’t even told my mom. But I could use some comforting these days too. And if opening my mind to a new way of thinking about Trinity brings me comfort and closer to God, I think that might just be OK.


Musical Reflection - Tibi laus, tibi gloria - Orlando de Lassus, Queens College Choir


Holy Spirit of God, meet us in this moment as you met the apostles of old. Be with us, Holy Spirit, bring faith and hope, we pray. Come Holy Spirit, be present in your power. Amen.

- New Zealand BCP p. 907

Holy Spirit

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