I do not think that there is a Christian who has not experienced a touch of Holy Spirit. Sometimes He comes to us in storm of events which change our life’s path in a way we would have never predicted even a day earlier. Nothing is impossible. Suddenly desert blooms with wonderful flowers, doors open in blank walls, sea waters part and dry path appears.
Sometimes He opens our eyes – gently or not – to a new truth, to a new depth of understanding, be it of faith or another human being, or our own sins. The shallow pool we have been wading in – a pool of our pride, stereotypes and various limitations suddenly turns into a wild ocean full of wonderful, strange creatures within. No longer able to pretend we can “walk on water” we lose ground and thus we learn how to allow the Spirit to carry us where He will. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to become truly, utterly poor in spirit – and enjoy it with every atom of one’s being.
Truly humble people, especially those who suffer, do not seem to experience such sudden transitions and storms. To them He comes more often in a sweet breeze, as Someone who heals the wounds and renews strength.
I remember a story I have heard once from a widow who, due to poverty, worked long hours in a factory. Bereaved, with two small children to provide for she took every hour of overtime she was offered. This lady was, as she described it, “completely dead inside”. Once a prayerful, church going woman, now she was unable to say one Hail Mary with even a shadow of feeling.
Once, during a coffee break of her second shift at work, completely exhausted, she dozed off in a lunch room. Suddenly she found herself in a wonderful garden, surrounded with intense, overwhelming Love that was a Person. This Love was surrounding her and filling her with joy greater than anything she had ever experienced. She woke up happy and completely emotionally and even physically recharged. Her depression never returned.
In our troubled times we need to call upon Holy Spirit constantly, not only once a year:
“Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray”.