Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world.
Acts 2:1-21
Filled with the Spirit to tell God’s deeds
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
Varieties of gifts from the same Spirit
John 20:19-23
The Spirit poured out
Today’s Psalm offers a prayer of hope and confidence in God’s ultimate authority over all things. God makes the whole world and everything in it. Sometimes God even creates things for the sport of it! God’s Spirit is the true actor in our faith, freeing us to respond in joy with acts of service, kindness, and love.
