The Lesser Known Holiday

The Lesser Known Holiday

Acts 2:1

2:1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

The Lesser Known Holiday

Pentecost is coming! Pentecost is the less known, much less popular holiday of the church which comes 49/50 days after Easter. The original story includes wind, tongues of fire, and people hearing their own language spoken out of the mouths of people who didn’t know how to speak it. Celebrating Pentecost is meant to remind us that the Spirit of the Lord began the church in the world with passion and shows up in our lives so that we can understand God and one another at the deeper level that matters most. The Pentecost Spirit was meant to say everyone is welcome – not just a select few, but everyone is included in this moment.

When I think of Pentecost, I think of the people I’ve known that wore red to church on that day to remind themselves and others that we are talking about something important enough to cause tongues of fire. I think of a church I knew who had balloons adorning the Sanctuary – as a birthday party. And Confirmation classes that joined on that day, celebrating a new group of young people saying yes to the Spirit of the Lord being upon them, and calling them into relationship with the church in the world. I think of a song we sang – Here I am Lord – to remind ourselves and each other that God is calling us into a relationship that can change everything about how we live in the world.

I, the Lord of the sea and sky,

I have heard my people cry

All who dwell in dark and sin

My hand will save.

I who made the stars of the night, I will make their darkness bright

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

Pentecost - it's the least well known of the church holidays, but maybe it’s the one we need today. Could Pentecost remind us that our way forward involves learning to hear languages that call people to lives of peace and justice at the same time? How can we make space to listen to the Spirit of God as it speaks love and action into our hearts this day?

Reflection Questions:

1) The song Here I Am Lord quotes God as saying – “I have heard my people cry - Whom shall I send?” What does that mean to you?

2) Are there places or people you feel sent to, to be an instrument of God’s love and peace?

3) Understanding each other in a new way – where in your life do you feel called to listen differently, and find the love and peace and justice we all need?

Prayer: Dear God, Help me O Lord to find my way forward in following you. Help me to say and sing “Here I Am, Lord.” In Jesus Name, Amen.