At the Catholic school where I work, we recently had to do a severe weather drill with the students led by our Campus Director of Safety and Security. There were defined spaces within the building which were determined to be ARs – Areas of Refuge. Part of the protocol for this drill was to ensure that every faculty member knew the ARs as well as the shortest route to access them. These ARs were in the innermost parts of the building away from the potential raging weather threats.
The idea behind these drills is of course – preparedness, so that in times of danger, we would not be caught off guard. We would know what to do and how to lead others. In preparing for this drill, we also were reminded to take note of weather “watches and warnings.” While we were encouraged to move confidently and calmly, there was a sense of urgency and alertness that is also necessary.
Shelter in the Spirit
As we continue to journey through this Lent to Easter, the message of the readings today also encourages this watchfulness – observant listening and a discerning heart.
In the Gospel, we enter into a scene which begins with a debate about what Jesus had just proclaimed about Himself – “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.”
What could these words mean? To the Jews of the time, it is evident that these words were divisive. They called for a response. Could it be true? Was He the promised Messiah? Those most “learned” in the Law did not think so. Talk of arresting Him had already begun. Threats of storms were raging.
The verses that follow explain even more:
“He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.” – John 7: 39
Advocate
In our present day and age, these storms continue – in our country, in our Church, in our world. Where do we turn? Where are the ARs we should seek? The Gospel of John highlights that this safety could be found in the promise of the Holy Spirit. Have we realized yet that we are living in the era of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit was given to us as Advocate, our helper on this journey of life. Ephesians 1:13 tells us that if we believe in Christ, we are sealed (protected) in the Spirit. It would do us well to get to know the Holy Spirit in a practical and experiential way!
The psalmist today also offers these words of encouragement:
O Lord my God, in you I take refuge.
God is indeed our refuge. He is the sturdy shelter amidst the threats and storms. In Him we are perfectly safe no matter what is raging around us or even threatening us directly. The ARs in our school building are all located in the center, the innermost parts of our school building. In the same way, our refuge is located in the innermost part of God’s heart where no harm can touch us. Rains come, winds blow, but in the depths of God’s heart, His perfect love awaits us.
