I have often heard the story of Penn's sword held
up as an example, however apocryphal it might be, of the
transformative power of the Spirit in our lives, if we are open to
it.
To me, it is much more than that. It raises to
each of us a question – what is there, in each of our lives, that
we are wearing as long as we can. Perhaps it is profligacy –
foreign travel or imported fresh food that harm the environment, vain
fripperies to enhance our appearance, or gadgets owned for their own
sake, rather than their utility. Perhaps it is hate, wishing harm to
others however justified it may seem, or jealousy, wishing others to
lose things because we cannot share in them. Perhaps it is pride or
ambition, the desire to be lauded or thought indispensable.
What change may the spirit work in each of us, if
we let it?
Written May 2017
