Day 10

We had unusual walks today. Firstly, we walked up Shepody Mountain, then to Dickson Falls and finally into Elgin. Then we drove to Petitcodiac for supper and a meet and greet. It has been another successful day and though it was cold this morning it became warmer this afternoon.

 One of the great things today was seeing rushing water, streams, rapids and waterfalls. The highest of the falls was Dickson Falls in Fundy National Park. It is a little trek to get into the valley to see them. The dampness creates a micro-climate which has led to the growth of interesting plants and means that the temperature can be much colder the further you descend.

This rushing water reminded me of the images in scripture about living water. Jesus chooses to use it in describing the Holy Spirit. When, in John 4, he meets the Samaritan woman it is this water that he promises to her. It is water that brings life. We are reminded of this through the mystery of Baptism. Through these waters, we pass from death to life.

The problem is that we too easily allow the water to stagnate rather than flow freely. In the Book of Acts, it often speaks of Peter or Paul “being filled with the Holy Spirit”. The sense here is that the filling is continuous, like a waterfall running through us, rather than of a container being filled.

If we follow this image we have the idea of continuous life rather than something becoming polluted. It is a picture of renewal and refreshing. Some people ask how can we achieve this? It comes from intentionally asking God to fill us with the Holy Spirit. This will involve intentionally spending time with God and learning to hear his voice.

In this season of Pentecost, we are reminded that it is the Spirit of God who gives us life. Life as individuals and life as the Church. We need to spend more time seeking the Spirit and listening to him.

David