“We shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thess 4:17

This is to be the new normal…after the resurrection, that is. There will be no usual physical presence, but the Risen One has found a way to be with us always. His presence is a realized hope in faith’s dark light.

Pope Francis points out that this hope of our is communal. It is a ‘we.’ It is ours together. But if faith’s light is so dark, how are we going to know that this Risen One, who now is present in a new way in the depths of our hearts, is there? Is there some evidence we can point to? Some assurance?

Francis says the Holy Spirit is the living sign of God’s hope. With Jesus we have a picture…we have a human form, but with the Spirit…? As Jesus is God’s Word in our human form, so the Spirit is God’ ‘hands.’ Seven beautiful scriptural images come to mind: Dove, Fire, Wind, Water, Oil, Blood, and Wine. Wherever they appear, there is Spirit-work going on. God is acting.

So we can be on the watch in our own humble lives: these seven translate into comforting, calming, energizing, cauterizing, moving, cooling, cleansing, refreshing, soothing, easing, life-giving, intoxicating…and yes, they weave in and out of our ordinary days. The Word helps us to know.The Spirit helps us to be and do. And there is our evidence. By the fruits you will know. The Risen One has pledged to be always with us…now, in this Ordinary Time, we can try to live the pledge, “We shall always be with te Lord.”