I know this sounds crazy, but I think the behavior of Jesus' disciples after his death and resurrection resemble that of baby hummingbirds. Let me explain.

My wife and I took a walk in the park shortly before family and friends arrived for Easter supper. We came upon a baby hummingbird lying upside down on the pathway, apparently having fallen out of its nest. In our ignorance, we picked it up and brought it home. We fed it drops of sugar water.

When our first guests arrived, they took great interest in our new-found friend. Concerned that it get proper care, they went to the Internet for advice. In a matter of minutes, they had discovered several important facts:

• It's not uncommon for a baby hummingbird to fall or get pushed out of its nest.
• The mama seldom abandons her young, but may leave it alone for an hour or more while in search of food.
• If you find a baby hummingbird, leave it where it is; keep an eye on it for an hour or so until the mother returns.
• Do not take it home with you and do not feed it sugar water! In fact it is unlawful to possess a hummingbird.

With this information in hand, we quickly returned the baby to a safe spot in a tree near where we found it — assured that mama would hear its chirp. The next day we checked on our new friend and found it back on the ground sitting still and stoic, waiting for its mother. Before long, mama came with food.

To make the connection, imagine yourself as one of the first disciples. Jesus has been crucified, and somewhat like the baby hummingbird on the pathway vulnerable to dogs, bikes, and other dangers, your life has been turned upside down, and you simply don't know what to do. You are literally paralyzed with fear that they will come after you next. Adding to your confusion are reports that Jesus' tomb is empty and that some of the others have actually encountered him. What are you supposed to think? What are you supposed to believe? What are you supposed to do?

Follow the lead of the baby hummingbird who sits with eyes transfixed to the sky, trusting that mama will returned with sustenance. Turn inward to listen to the message of the Spirit in these troubling, confusing times. Otherwise, who knows how long you'll remain locked in a dark room?

Sacred silence, holy ocean,
gentle water, washing over me.
Help me listen, Holy Spirit,
come and speak to me.

For the first disciples the "Easter season" was anything but a time of jubilation. They were surely scared out their minds, and utterly confused about what to do and where to go next.

In our time, we have the advantage of hindsight. We know that Jesus rose from the dead, conquered sin, and made redemption and salvation available to us all. For us, the Easter season is filled with joy and celebration. Our hindsight also assures us that the Holy Spirit is coming. Pentecost is just around the corner, and the flame of light will redeem us of our sins, strengthen us to face our fears, and guide us in our actions as disciples of Jesus.

In his song Sacred Silence Tom Booth gives us the words we need to pray in the Easter season as we anticipate Pentecost:

God my Father, Christ my brother,
Holy Spirit, sanctifying me.
Lord, I'm sorry, please forgive me,
come and set me free.

Holy Mary, gentle mother,
God's pure vessel, praying for me.
Saints and angels, all in heaven,
come and be with me.

Sacred silence, holy ocean,
gentle water, washing over me.
Help me listen, Holy Spirit,
come and speak to me.

Related Link: (anticipating Pentecost)
The First Pentecost by Alfred McBride, O.Praem.

Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.