Friday 28 May 2021

Holy Spirit

 It's interesting that in the Celtic Christian tradition the Holy Spirit is sometimes depicted as a wild goose, not a dove. We cannot tame the Spirit, nor bend him to our will. Sometimes he rests gently upon us like a peaceful white dove; other times he's a bit scary, like a full grown goose making his presence felt.

For beautiful artwork depicting the Holy Spirit as a bird take a look at the Lindisfarne Scriptorium

Spirit of God, peaceful dove,
Descend gently on me, 
Calm, with your wisdom,
My flailing heart,
Guide and protect through my life.

Spirit of God, wild goose,
Raucous, life-filled and free,
Shake up my comfort,
Blaze in my soul,
Open my eyes, help me see.

Spirit of God, dove and goose,
A force unseen, wise, pure,
Calming, disturbing, 
Uprooting, fixed,
Great power, wild yet secure.