First, wind is dynamic - it is air in motion. In a similar way God is alive and active in creation and our lives. No remote "watchmaker," God is initiating and stirring within us. Do you pay attention to God’s stirring within you? Are you "moved" by the Spirit? Is God the "wind beneath your wings?"

The second point—wind is elusive. It cannot be examined under a microscope or grasped--it slips through your fingers. You do not know where it comes from or where it is going. In the similar way, God is elusive, unpredictable and full of surprises. Do I think I have God "all figured out?" Do I have a sense of "control" over God? Am I open to being "surprised" by God?

Third, wind can be heard, but not seen. The sounds of the wind are not words and sentences, but howls and whistles. St. Paul says that the Spirit "groans" within us (see Romans 8:22-26). As humans, we howl and groan when expressing deep emotions of the heart - feelings that cannot be put into words. We howl with laughter and joy and we howl with deep pain and sorrow. In a similar way God "speaks" to us in the deep recesses of our hearts. So ask yourself, "Do I listen to God speaking in my heart? Is the "heart" dimension of my faith as developed as the intellectual dimension?"

Since ancient times fire has been used to purify metals. God also "purifies" us by helping us recognize our sinfulness. In the scriptures, to be "refined in fire" was to experience the purging, "discipline" of God. Recognizing the ways we fail to love is a painful, yet necessary part of our spiritual growth. Am I willing to let the Spirit--the "Sanctifier"--challenge me to become more loving? What aspects of my life need to be refined at this time?

Fire has also been used to shape and mold metals into tools, utensils, pots and pans and a large variety of excellent finished products. Metal is shaped and molded by being heated to incredibly high temperatures and hammered. To be "refined in fire" was also a metaphor for the experience of suffering and adversity. While we should never go looking for suffering and should always try to eliminate suffering, it cannot be completely avoided. While we must always remember that God does not cause our suffering, this image reminds us that the Spirit can mysteriously shape and mold us through suffering. This insight gives us hope that God is with us when we suffer and that our suffering is not meaningless but has value and is redemptive. Ask yourself, "How have I been shaped and molded through the experience of adversity? Can I find God in the midst of my suffering?"

Water

A third major image of the Spirit is water (see 1 Corinthians 12:13) In the Gospel of John, we read: "’Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ Now [Jesus] said this about the Spirit" (John 7:38-39). This image also gives us insight into God’s presence in our lives.

Water gives life to plants, animals, humans and all living things. We need it to live and grow. This reminds us that the Spirit is the "Giver of Life." In order to grow and satisfy our thirst for God we need to "drink" of the Spirit and allow ourselves to be "watered." St. Teresa of Avila taught that in prayer, God "waters" us like a gardener. Do you recognize the importance of prayer in my life? Do you make quiet time to pray and be refreshed and nourished?

Water also makes things new, brings about birth and recreates. The image of water evokes creativity and newness. In a similar way God, the Spirit, brings about new life and creativity (see Psalm 104:30). On the day of Pentecost, Luke tells us that when the Spirit was "poured out" young and old had "dreams" and "visions" (Acts 2:17). We speak of great artists, writers and composers as being "inspired." God stimulates and elicits creativity within us. The Spirit arouses dreams and visions in those who have none. What are my dreams and passions? What is it that I most desire? Do I have any dreams or am I like a "dry well?" Am I open to the inspirations of God? Am I willing to respond to the stimulating activity of the Spirit?

Conclusion

Throughout our lives we can continually renew our appreciation of the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The images of wind, fire and water offer us many insights into the Spirit and help us learn how to respond to the Giver of Life.

Recommended Reading:

The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church and the World" (Dominum et Vivificantem), a 1986 encyclical by Pope John Paul II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1993), ns. 687-747