Today I was with a group of leaders at a congregation that is on the cusp of developing its 5 year plan. The phrase I heard frequently was "We want to live and behave as Acts 2 people" How awesome that they were holding today's workshop on Pentecost Weekend!
Acts 2 people are those who continue to live in the reality that they have been given the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus when he was nearing his crucifixion. Acts 2 people not only recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit -- they are also transformed by it so they may carry on Christ's mission.
Many of you will be in church on Sunday -- surrounded by red, the liturgical color for the day. You will read about the moment when the apostles were gathered in one place and the Holy Spirit rested upon them. Suddenly they were able to communicate their (Christ's) message to others of every nation in a way that was understandable -- as understandable as each person's "mother tongue."
The message of love, forgiveness and eternal life (salvation) for all who call upon the name of the Lord is one that is understood by all when it is communicated through justice, compassion, forgiveness and peace. The language is one of presence and sacrificial giving -- and uses words, too. Yet words are not necessarily the optimum means of communication.
Try serving somebody who does not speak your language -- it is pretty amazing! People recognize a loving act, or a peaceful presence even if their comprehension of the words you say is minimal. In the same way, loving words of sacrifice and acceptance sound garbled and confusing if the words are not accompanied by gentleness, generosity and hospitality.
This Pentecost linger with the readings for the day. Be newly amazed at the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. As a result of Pentecost, the world has never, ever been the same!
1 comment:
When I worked in San Antonio, I had several patients who did not speak English. You're right - it's not easy to communicate but kindness and hugs were a universal language.
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