Walking with Jesus: Pentecost Sunday B

For Sunday, May 19, 2024

Acts: 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 15:26-27

The Jewish feast of Pentecost was one of the three major feasts in Israel for which pilgrims journeyed to Jerusalem. Originally it was an agricultural feast: the end of the harvest called the Feast of Weeks. It took on new significance, celebrating the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. This is why the Gospel tells us that devout Jews from every nation were in Jerusalem during this time. They came with their families to remember and thank God for giving them His commandments and leading them to the Promised Land.

On Pentecost they gathered in the Upper Room. We don’t know who was there in addition to the Apostles. Could the women who accompanied them all over have been present? Or other followers, like the two from Emmaus, and even others? Why not? We don’t know. What we do know is that the Holy Spirit came unexpectedly … like the sound of an extremely strong wind, filling the room. Tongues of fire rested upon each person present, and all — so taken up with the excitement of the moment — spoke “God’s language,” speaking in tongues. Outside, people from all nations were caught up in the excitement, expressing it in their own languages with the amazing revelation that all could understand each other. It's as if the Spirit was the instant translator of all languages, and praising God the content of everyone’s words.

What did this mean, they asked? They didn't know. Today we call this manifestation of God a theophany, which is a combination of two Greek words meaning God and appearance. It's also defined as a visible display to human beings that expresses the presence and character of God — like the thunderous display on top of Mount Sinai during the desert wanderings. The authors described the gathered crowd as being confused, astonished and amazed, especially since everyone could understand each other. Some commentators say this was a miracle in hearing as well as in speaking. God’s miracle. What was its significance? Certainly it was a manifestation of the universal presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Miraculously, the Holy Spirit had put total meaning to Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection and ascension.

God’s plan is now in its last stage. Jesus has taught us that God created all … loves all … has redeemed all … and promised Heaven to all who believe in Jesus, follow the commandments and love. Jesus has clarified the meaning of the Holy Spirit, whom He called “Advocate,” who is with each of us and all people ALWAYS. “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But If I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation because the ruler of the world has been condemned.” [John 16:7-11]

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in My name — He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” [John 14:25-27]

Jesus once spoke in the flesh to the Apostles, early followers, men, women and children. Now Jesus speaks through the Holy Spirit. Today the Spirit is OUR personal teacher to lead us to understand all the truth Jesus taught us. He is our help in learning what it means to be a follower of Jesus. He is our mediator in prayer. Jesus told us directly that His Spirit is with us always as our advocate, companion, teacher, and source of grace and forgiveness. So what Jesus was for His apostles, the Holy Spirit is for us now.

So I reflect on:

• Paul reflects that creation is hopeful. What am I giving, helping and doing for those who look to me for guidance and hope?
• Am I recognizing the Holy Spirit in my prayers today? Am I listening? At the end of my prayers do I give God a chance to respond? 

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“Jesus was sent by the Father, sends the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. May we who have received the Spirit of truth as our helper give witness to the presence and action of God in our lives and in the world.

“Jesus breathed on the disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit, the breath of life. We who have received the gifts of the Spirit pray that we may be forgiving and encouraging of others in appreciation of all that we have been given.”

A Prayer from Living the Word:

“Come, Holy Spirit, and fill our bodies and souls with You. Come and fill our households. Come to our halls of government, our corporations, our faith communities of every shape and form, our parents and children and friends, our well and our sick, our important persons and our overlooked persons, our solar system and salmon and towhees and ferns, and everywhere or everything else that we haven’t named. Teach us to pray, for we long for Your glory and we give You all of our praise and thanksgiving. Amen.”