Day #3073

May 31, 2022 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Acts 2:1-4: When the day of Pentecost had come, [the apostles] were all together in one place. 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. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (NRSV) 

Pentecost Sunday is coming - the celebration of fifty days following Easter and the Resurrection. What strikes me in the reading about the event from the Book of Acts is that the apostles were all together in one place. They had not scattered. They had not lost hope. They had not given up. 

It occurs to me that fifty days can be a long time, a lot can happen and it might be easy to give up hope. What were the apostles doing during that time to help them? Were they gathering regularly and what did they do when they were together? Did they remember the stories of Jesus’ actions, miracles, teaching? Did they relive the events, sharing their feelings and hopes and fears? Did they wonder if each day would be the one when Jesus would return, or what would the coming of the Holy Spirit be like, or if it was all a dream and they would also eventually be arrested and murdered? 

And then it happens - the Holy Spirit rushes in. Do you suppose they were scared by this violent wind and tongues of fire? Did they marvel at God’s hand? Scripture tells us they were filled with the power of this Holy Spirit and given abilities they never expected. And they were changed. Forever! They went from fearful and timid to mighty and courageous and unable to keep silent. 

Wow! What does that say to us? That the power of God is stronger than any fear we might have? That the filling of the Holy Spirit can give us courage and faith? That God shows up as promised - always? 

Whatever the recounting of the Day of Pentecost says to you, I hope you do not take its power for granted. That same power is with us today - and forever. And it can change us and the world. It did then, it has since, and it will again! Thanks be to God. 

Blessings. And prayers.