on Jesus at the Jordan
is poured out
upon those
baptized in his name.
The Spirit that animated
the life of Jesus
now animates
the life
of his sisters and brothers.
The Spirit that raised
Jesus from the dead
still raises
dry bones
from Sheol.
The Spirit, the breath
in the lungs of Jesus
remains the breath
of the Body
of Christ.
This isn't the greatest of poems. But I was thinking yesterday about Pentecost (which is today). About how the followers of Jesus are trying to embody the spirituality of Jesus of Nazareth. How we are trying to capture and embody his life and spirit for ourselves and for the sake of others. To keep his flame alive. That, surely--embodying the spirit and spirituality of Jesus--is a part of what Pentecost means. What it means to have his life and spirit poured out upon you.
And may we pour it out on others.
Wonderful poem, Richard. Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts with us all!!
Unvirtuous Abbey
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place, and Peter said, "Flame on!" (via Richard Bott)
How do you interpret the spirit, the breath in the lungs---practically what does that mean to you???