"The Flame Lives On"

"The Flame Lives On"

A Pentecost Poem

The Spirit invites me once again

to that holy Upper Room of long ago

where driving winds gush to and fro

and the Spirit's purifying presence descends upon me.

I sit in utter amazement

of this most awesome event:

What breathtaking Presence!

What fiery Luminescence!

What overshadowing Mystery!

I truly hear:

The peaceful breath of the Spirit.

I truly see:

The Flame of the Spirit illuminating

my heart and those around me.

The Holy Flame draws me inward

gifting me with only

a faint glimpse of the Face of God.

But this powerful Flame also draws me outward

and I am called to share

this glimpse of God with others.

Suddenly,

all are awakened

to the glory of Jesus standing among them.

proclaiming greetings of peace,

breathing the Spirit's Life-Force upon them,

and inviting all to continue his mission on earth.

May each flame on which I gaze,

may each breath I raise,

renew me to proclaim

"The Flame Lives on!"

~Sister Priscilla Cohen, OSB