Dew

Jesus is insistent. Bread becomes his flesh, wine becomes his blood:

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ (John 6).

Great question, surpassed by the answer:

It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. My words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

We really need the Holy Spirit to enlighten us.

Our tradition offers us many images of the Holy Spirit. Two stand out.

Young Jewish boys and girls were encouraged to pray Psalm 31 as they fell asleep each night:

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

The word spirit translates the Hebrew word for breath:

God, I offer you my breath, my life principle this night. When I awake, I will receive it back.

The Jewish people live in a harsh climate:

During the night the dew falls silently, gently, supplying water needs.

Both images are powerful, yet gentle – teaching us how God acts in our daily lives.

We breathe in the Holy Spirit and the dew falls upon us as we pray together:

Deepening our Eucharistic faith, hope and love.

Amen.