The Wind of the Spirit

Last Updated on October 25, 2022 by GMC

29th Week in Ordinary Time, Friday (Year II)

Luke 12:54-59

As a weather vane points in the direction of the wind, Jesus points in the direction of the Holy Spirit (pneuma). 

“The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

John 3:8

Bodily eyes and empirical reason have made enormous strides in meteorology, but spiritual eyes and intuition lag far behind.

Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain—and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot—and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

Luke 12:54-56

Deep silence is required to hear the gentle whisper of the Spirit whose voice has no amplitude. The clamor and contention of the outer world cannot be quelled by human arbitration alone. 

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Luke 12:57-59

Our internal weather vane points in the direction of justice and right by well-formed consciences and spiritual intuition. The more society abdicates responsibility to judges, courts, and constables, the more arbitrating parties and injustices multiply.

A quickening of the spirit by the Spirit of God simplifies and reduces the need for external arbitration. A society of Spirit-filled persons blow with the divine wind, attuned to the silent whisper.