My mother has inspired this reflection. I sometimes have a very difficult time discerning what the readings mean and what they are trying to say to me, so I send them to my Mom who is quite good at reflecting and finding the rooted meaning.

Throughout both of the passages (the first reading and the gospel) there seems to be a significant emphasis on the need for the Holy Spirit in our lives. “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.” We can feel the Holy Spirit. I sometimes have a hard time understanding the role the Holy Spirit has in my life.

My mom wrote (we correspond about Bible passages through email): “You can’t see the Holy Spirit like you can’t see the wind. You do know where it comes from, however. It comes from God the Father & Jesus. But think about the wind. Think about how it can 'blow in' whatever - storms, warm weather, dust, fragrant smells of trees in bloom. We are called to allow the Holy Spirit to 'ruffle our hair', take effect on our lives, and go forth strengthened by the 'wind' to buffet the world - live in the world & change it for the better for God.”

My mom’s reflection really inspired me to think about how the Holy Spirit affects my life and if I am taking the time to let it affect me. This past weekend I attended the Easter Vigil mass at St. Stephen the Martyr’s church in Washington, D.C. I was inspired by all of the people receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, and allowed me to reflect on my own confirmation. I chose to take the name of Lillian after St. Lillian and because of my Great Grandmother Lillian, who was kind, loving and, above all else, faithful. I would encourage all who read this to reflect on the name they chose and why they chose it. It truly helped me to bring focus into what I aspire myself to be.