Pentecost Sunday

“Wild Winds” - A Poem by Greg O’Connor for Pentecost 2023

I look up at the sunset from the bus stop, the Midwestern almost summer sky painted in fire. The air is still for now, but when the light turns green, and the cars begin to move the wind will hit my face back to reality. Burning skies and the Holy Spirit rushing wild around my worn-down Nikes. 

Oh God, you made this moment. 

And you make this moment repeatedly. Wild Winds blow through city skies and rural lands for everyone. Wild Winds blow into the hearts of the liberal and conservative alike. The fiery sky is the same sky for everyone. We all received the same gift, maybe not used the same way but used somehow.

And with this spirit, we walk or run-in different directions. Because religion, faith, spirituality, these aren’t just words, but they are actions! “Get the young people in Church” Forget that…get me out into the sunset and winds and let’s show the beauty that still exists. 

Oh to shake my head at those who have this fire but refuse to use it for good! They express their passion calling people groomers and gross. I’d say I’d rather use this gift of fire and wind to do what they will not, actually love as Christ did. 

The ink from the pen is the fire you sent, the piano and the synthesizer are winds blowing sound into the hearts of those who want to quit. Wild winds keep blowing, Pentecost is celebrated on one day but who’s to say it’s not an action every morning and night? Holy fire rushes through the heart, 

Summer is settling in, God all I ask is to keep my heart strangely warmed. God, I refuse to give up just because everyone says I should. Wild winds and fire rush the land…welcome in Holy Spirit.