The Spirit

A Poem about the Spirit, based on John 14:15-21

Yoong Bae (裵隆) (1928–1992), Holy Spirit in Korea. Mural painting, Korean Christian Academy, Seoul. Source: Christian Art in Asia by Masao Takenaka (Tokyo: Kyo Bun Kwan, 1975)

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The Spirit
after John 14:15-21

Fear is a false teacher.
Surrender to the Spirit,
The Tutor, and Author
of the most important
and costly and difficult
and liberating way—love.

You say, O Fear, that I am alone,
but as the leaves shake in the nurturing breeze,
the Spirit speaks a truer truth:

Never have you been—never will you be— removed, lost,
or remote in your location from God, who is love.

O Spirit, fill me as expansively 
as you fill clouds with water and ice.
Teach me to love.
I must be crucified
for love.

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Part of the line “I must be crucified / for love” is a quote attributed to Teresa of Avila found in bell hooks’ book All About Love: New Visions.