Midweek Devotion 11 June 2025

Reading

Acts 2:2,3

And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.

Devotion

Today's work of art, Pentecost, by modern Roman Catholic artist Jen Norton, is an acrylic on wood creation in the hands of a private collector.  You can find out more about the artist here: Catholic Art by Jen Norton.  Last Sunday was the Feast of Pentecost, commemorating the coming of the Holy Spirit into the disciples.  One of my markers for beholding the presence of the Spirit is a life filled with passion, pleasure, and purpose.  I love how this painting catches those three aspects of spiritual life.

The tongues of flame are so dynamic!  The fire is bright, and not just red but representative of a broad spectrum, just as a person's passion may be a deep indigo as much as a flaming orange.  I love the sense of joy in the faces and postures of the disciples, including Mary in the center.  It brings to mind not only the spiritual ecstasy of my own favorite mystic St. Teresa of Avila, but also, the words of Olympian sprinter and Christian missionary, Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire, who said, "When I run, I feel his pleasure."  Finally, I like how the central flame in the top middle of the painting seems to be both a descending dove and a representation of the sacred heart of Jesus.  How clever!  Lives lived with purpose embody the Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit that are most fully revealed in the magnificent love at the heart of Jesus' ministry.

Where are you finding passion, pleasure and purpose these days, dear reader?  How are you manifesting the courage, the ability to communicate the Good News, and the incredible generosity of those who were there in the Second Chapter of Acts?  May signs and wonders adorn your life!

Prayer 

Gracious God,

As the apostles were filled with courage on Pentecost,

Fill us with Your strength and boldness.

Help us to proclaim Your good news,

And live our lives as witnesses to Your love.

Amen.