From four winds blowing
Violent, rushing, breathing
Sighs too deep for words

These are some of the images in this week’s lectionary readings for Pentecost. They are pushmi-pullyu words, images that are both gentle and disturbing.

Like the need for wind to clear up smoggy, stifling days, we long for Spirit-wind to blow life into valleys of death.

We hear the invitation to stop and take a breath, to breathe in the Spirit-breath that settles anxiety, sleeplessness and pain and restores life.

In the darkest places, we catch the echo of Spirit-sigh, the whisper of peace and hope.

Pentecost: a celebration of Spirit-work, Spirit-life, Spirit-love