Come, Holy Spirit
1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:1-4)
Fifty days after Passover, the disciples were together waiting for the power Jesus had promised to send. They had stayed together despite, and possibly because of, their fear of the political powers and social persecution they faced as a result of their association with Jesus. When the Holy Spirit did come, each of them - men and women - were enabled to speak the languages of the travelers who were on the outside. Those who were not part of the community of faith heard those on the inside proclaiming the mighty works of God.
As we remain in various stages of lock down due to COVID-19, waiting for the threat of the virus to pass-over, we can relate to the uncertainty the disciples must have felt as they awaited an unknown power. Amidst claims all over the world that we are "in this together" we see evidence that we, most definitely, are not - in modern-day political and social persecutions: attempts to stifle the vote, violence against people of color (especially men of color), men of color turning their anger and hopelessness against themselves and their communities, poor communities disregarded and discarded to get economies back on track.
How do we sing songs of glory and praise in this strange land?
The Holy Spirit's work wasn't done once the sound of the wind had quieted, and the tongues of fire had dissipated. Peter, then, stood and spoke to the crowd, telling them about Jesus and calling them to repent, be baptized, and accept the forgiveness of their sins so that they could receive the Holy Spirit for themselves. Though turmoil raged around them, the disciples' mission had not changed. Their time apart allowed them to forgive themselves and those who were against them, so they could genuinely offer the grace they had been given to a world that was lost.
May the miracle of Pentecost continue to unfold within us and through us as the Spirit emboldens our witness and empowers our love to change this strange land.
3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:3-7)
