Journeying to Grace

I often spend some extra time on Gospel readings that involve bodies of water. Not only is there always something very significant happening, but the water also helps me envision the scene – the sounds of the waves rushing to the shore, the smell of fish, and the sight of countless sparkles on the water under the sun. Last month, we reflected on the Gospel of the Resurrected Jesus waiting on the shore for Peter and some the disciples who were fishing (John 21:1-19). Though there is plenty going on in this reading, just the peaceful thought of standing on the shore alongside Jesus is very comforting to me. Now that we have celebrated Pentecost and have prayed ‘Come, Holy Spirit, Come,’ I am taken back to the image of the shore to consider the Holy Spirit at work.

When I stood on an ocean shore not long ago, I watched, heard, and felt the movement of the graceful waves as they rolled in continuously, never stopping nor slowing. The waves had a destination and seemed to approach the shore with such purpose. Yet as I looked out at the ocean as far away as I could, it appeared so still – as if nothing was happening. Of course, I knew that wasn’t true. The water was certainly in constant motion even if I couldn’t see it from where I was, and the fish and all the aquatic life, also unseen from where I stood, were very active underneath the surface. I find this to be a helpful thought when I pray about the work of the Holy Spirit in me and in my life.

Sometimes the work of the Holy Spirit is nearby and obvious to us. Other times (maybe most of the time?), the Holy Spirit is at work unseen, underneath the surface and perhaps in unexpected areas of our hearts. The work may seem far away and distant, and when we can’t see it up close, we might wonder or even doubt.  But the Lord has promised us an Advocate, a companion, a guiding comfort: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth. (John 14:16-17a) In great gratitude, we welcome the Holy Spirit our Advocate to work in us, trusting in the constant movement happening in front of us and in the quiet work beneath the surface.