When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, He will testify on my behalf.
--John 15:26
Among other things, Pentecost declares that Jesus wasn't kidding. He made a promise (to send the Holy Spirit), and He kept it (at Pentecost). Pentecost means fifty. Fifty days after the resurrection of our Lord was when the promise came to fruition. Pentecost has been called the "birthday of the Church."
As befits a festival, we have a "feast" of the Word of God before us as the week unfolds. Note -- and read, if you like -- the following:
- First Reading: Acts 2:1-21
- First Reading (alternate): Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Psalm: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
- Second Reading: Romans 8:22-27
- Second Reading (alternate): Acts 2:1-21
- Gospel: John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
There are all kinds of interconnections in these readings, and it really is fun to try and spot them. The blessing comes when you see yourself in them. The Pentecost story is our story! Down through the centuries, the work of Christ's Spirit goes on. By the grace of God, as we've come to know it in Christ, we're in on that work! So celebrate that the promise was fulfilled; the Spirit came. Don't stop there! Celebrate that the same Spirit is at work in you to God's good pleasure!
PD
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