The breath of God

Today’s first reading takes us to the very beginning: the beginning of Scripture and the beginning of all things (Genesis 1:1-19).

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

And the earth was without form, and void;
and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

And the Spirit of God
moved upon the face of the waters.

The expression translated here as “Spirit of God” (traditionally and justifiably) is rich and multilayered with meaning: it could also be translated “breath of God” or even “mighty wind.”

I think of this expression often, especially when I look upon an expanse of water or feel a mighty wind upon my face.

And a mighty wind
moved upon the face of the waters.

I am also reminded of these well-known verses by Edwin Hatch:

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

And the breath of God
moved upon the face of the waters.

No matter what is happening in our life, whether all is well or all is chaos, God is always there with the life-giving breath and unseen power of his Holy Spirit.