The Holy Goose

05Aug
 I saw the Holy Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and it remained on him……
 He on whom you see the Holy Spirit, baptizes with the Holy Spirit 
-John 1:29, 42


We are familiar with the Holy Spirit represented as a dove. I was touched by the representation of the Spirit on the ceiling of the chapel at Ursuline Convent. The dove is beautifully surrounded by clouds and angels and the Cross.It is a calm and engaging picture.We generally think of a dove as a gentle sedate being. In the Celtic Tradition the Holy Spirit is represented as the wild goose. The character of the wild goose is different than that of the calm and sedate dove. He is unpredictable, not easily caught or caged or directed, mirroring how the Spirit moves unexpectedly. The Goose is loud and fierce and courageous rather than quiet and demure. But vigilant; a watchful protector of the faith! 


Wild geese fly together in a V-formation. Each goose provides additional lift to the one behind by breaking air resistance. When the flock flies together they can go 70% further on the same amount of energy. When the lead goose tires, he drops to the back allowing another to take his place. As the geese fly, they honk loudly, encouraging each other. They represent a good example for the church. By working together, they can provide more energy than alone . By honking encouragement they empower those around them. I feel that the wild Goose is hovering over us day and night, ready to swoop in to offer assistance for matters big and small. 


Here is an example: Years ago in Nicaragua on a medical mission scouting trip, I was asked to see one of our host’s house servants. She had advanced cervical cancer. Being a gynecologist, I examined her and confirmed the diagnosis. I felt that her proposed treatment in Nicaragua of chemotherapy without radiation was suboptimal. I took a biopsy of her cervix and transported it to New Orleans in a bottle of rum, the only preservative I had. I sent the biopsy to the pathologist who confirmed the diagnosis without comment about the rum. I then presented the case to a friend, a gynecologic pathologist. She agreed that chemo without radiation was a death sentence for this lady. And,”OH! By the way, when could I get her to New Orleans to start treatment.” I was speechless, this really wasn’t what I had in mind. I called a friend whose brother was our US representative in Washington. Within days we got her a visa. We got her an airline ticket on frequent flyer miles. It seemed that every time we encountered a problem, the Holy Spirit was there to open a door. We were working the Wild Goose overtime. 


Vivian came to New Orleans and got the care she needed at Charity and University Hospital. At the end of three months, she was declared cancer free. I have to say that it was a long three months trying to supply emotional support for this poor woman of the Nicaraguan countryside. It was a joyful day when we put her on the plane for Managua. She continues to do well and greeted us each time we returned to Nicaragua for 15 years.


 A few months after putting Vivian on the plane, Mary Margaret and I received a bill from Charity Hospital for $27.000 for her care. No good deed goes unpunished. We decided to hunker down and pay a little each month for many years. I appealed to a friend who was on the board of Charity /University Hospital. After a few months of receiving the bill, we got a letter from Charity/University stating that the bill had been forgiven. Wow, that Wild Goose is something!


Another Kairos moment. Throughout this whole experience, the Holy Spirit was there hovering over us ready to assist in an instant.

       

Last night I heard the wild Goose cry,

          winging North in the lonely sky 

          I tried to sleep but it was no use,

          Cause I’m the brother of the Old Wild Goose.


Musical Reflection - Come, Holy Spirit, Come - Beyond the Walls


Great Spirit, Wild Goose of the Almighty,

Be my eye in dark places,

Be my flight in trapped places,

Be my host in wild places

Be my brood in barren places

Be my formation in lost places. Amen.

-by Ray Simpson

Holy Spirit

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