James Bond and the Holy Spirit

Sermon notes from The Day of Pentecost
Sunday, May 27, 2007

A friend of mine and I remarked recently that Memorial Day weekend brings to mind many thing: cook-outs, the boating season, beach season --- and ACTION MOVIES.

I am a big James Bond fan. I love those movies. I love the action, but I also love the subtly. In the most recent one, James Bond has to play poker against the villain of the movie. Amidst all the explosions and wild chase scenes, Bond has to sit at the poker table and determine who's "bluffing," by figuring out his opponents' "tells."

The story from Acts of that Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles was an action event. Thunderous wind. Fire. Chaotic noise.

We often look for that Holy Spirit moving in, around and through our lives, our parish and our Church. However, we are so caught up waiting for the action-packed events, that we miss the dove, the peaceful, quiet, still small voice of God. To draw on the poker analogy, we miss the "tell."

In our lives, both independent and communal, we wait for the big things to happen, as all the little things pass us by. I do it. I bet you do, too. Let's not miss out on the Holy Spirit because we are waiting for the action-packed moment. Let's look for the "tells."

The "tells" can be found in the comforting words of a friend or stranger; a sense of peace in the midst of chaos; a burning to help someone in need... or even seeming coincidences.

The Holy Spirit is alive here. The Holy Spirit is moving around us and through us, empowering us to be the people of mission that God calls us to be; the people of love, mercy and justice that our baptism call us to be. The Holy Spirit is blessing us, guiding us, comforting us... even nudging us to proclaim the Good News of God to Greenpoint and beyond. Let's not miss the "tells."