26 May 2005

We pick up at verse 11 in 1 Corinthians chapter 2.

For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God's except the Spirit of God. Now we have receive not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. (1 Cor. 2:11-13)

Let's be very clear that Paul is not talking about some "hocus pocus" that communicates something beyond what is real and everyday. The Spirit teaches us about the cross of Christ. The Spirit lets us in on the mystery of Christ and the life that is available for us now. We can figure out how humanity thinks and acts. We see examples of it everyday...and it is not always a wonderful thing to view...but we can count on humans knowing that kind of life. The Spirit takes us on a ride through a Reigning vision of new life that springs up among us by the power of God - the Good News. Yes, it will be a vision shaped by acts of kindness and humility that is often seen as being contrary to our ways of brashness and bravado that make people swoon but the disciples of Christ weep. The Spirit brings life - not make believe. The Spirit opens up our eye and ears to that life we cannot and will not see if left up to our own abilities.

Connection: As always, it takes more than me in the seclusion of my own life to come to see the life that the Spirit opens up for all of us. More and more, it is the dialogical power of community that sends us walking into the very depths of our humanity that is led by the Spirit of God.

Hold our hand, Spirit of New Life, and point us in the ways of God's wide open spaces of peace and hopefulness and joy. When we are left with nothing but our own ways, shake us up to behold the presence of your Reign and stir up our hearts as you have always promised you would. Amen.