The Holy Spirit or The Force
WRESTLING WITH THE WORD:
"So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:21-23)
- How does Jesus' appearance to the disciples in a locked room impact your understanding of his resurrection and presence?
- What is the significance of Jesus breathing on the disciples and saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit"?
- How does Jesus' interaction with his disciples help us understand his mission for us today?
The Force is what gives a Jedi his powers. It is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us and binds the galaxy together.
REFLECTION:
I used to nanny for a family I knew from church, a set of twins. Evan, the little boy was obsessed with Star Wars. Because I was both their nanny and Sunday School teacher we spent a lot of time switching between playing with Legos and coloring and talking about God. One day near Pentecost and I was trying to explain what was going to happen at church.
All of a sudden Evan’s eyes got really wide and he excitedly exclaimed, “Oh! The Holy Spirit is like The Force!”
If you have never seen Star Wars... Well, what are you waiting for? But simply put The Force is a spiritual energy field that connects all living things in the galaxy and binds them together. It is a source of power that the Jedi Knights (the good guys) and the Sith Lords (the bad guys) can harness for extraordinary abilities like levitation or telekinesis. It directs events and influences the balance of good and evil in the galaxy.
"It surrounds us and penetrates us." — Just as The Force is in and around the Jedi, the Holy Spirit sustains us in times of trial and times of joy. The power of the Holy Spirit is in each of us and we have the responsibility to use that power to help others.
"It binds the galaxy together." — It is easy to feel alone when times are tough. And like the disciples who locked themselves in the Upper Room we can hide away from the world. But the Holy Spirit helps us feel closer to others, reminding us that we are not alone in our feelings and bringing us together.
Can you feel the effects of the Holy Spirit (or Force) working in you?
The Holy Spirit: Convicts: John 16:8-11
Illuminates: John 16:12-15
Teaches: John 16:12-15
Guides: Romans 8:14
Assures: Romans 8:16
Warns: Acts 20:23
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:
Holy Spirit, I humbly seek Your wisdom and guidance. Help me to walk in the path You have set for me. Fill my heart with understanding, and open my eyes to the truth of Your word. Let Your wisdom be a light to my life and help me navigate through life’s challenges with Your divine insight. Amen.