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This weekend’s Psalm is a morale booster. We are assured that God’s Word made all that exists, and that God’s breath is an intricate part of what keeps us alive. We are reminded that everything God does is a sign of God’s trustworthiness. Reflecting on this glorious reality, we do our best to make God’s kindness known as we do all we can to bring about justice and right. We allow God’s kindness to energize us to do what we can to see to the needs of one another, especially those who depend on us for the basics of life.

Our first reading for this weekend describes how the first followers of Jesus realized that the Holy Spirit was very much present within and among them. The reading refers to a noise like a strong driving wind. It states that tongues as of fire parted and came to rest on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues. How do we put into words or what images do we use to express similar experiences of the Holy Spirit? What would it be like for us to find others with whom we can share such sacred moments? Some of us might feel serenity. Others of us might first react with fear because we are not sure what is taking place, or, because of the sacredness of the moment, might wonder what is being expected of us, given such a wondrous event. To someone who overhears us who is not familiar with these kinds of situations, it might seem as if we are speaking different languages. More than likely, the different languages will involve sharing new found wisdom, a renewed sense of our identity as God’s beloved, and how we will share the good news for others’ benefit.

Our second reading for this weekend includes a reminder that God first loved us. Sometimes we are inclined to think that we are the ones who began the relationship we have with God and/or with Jesus. The first chapter of our Bible makes clear that we are created in God’s image, the image of creative love. We pray that we would continue to develop the habit to thank God for the marvelous and wonderful ways God provides all we need to love God in return and to love ourselves and one another as indicators that we truly believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God.