Scripture: Acts 2:1-21
Message: That They May Be One (part 2)This Sunday is PENTECOST! That means we get to wear RED! My favorite stole (the colored cloth I wear over my black robe) is my red one because my mom made it for me for my ordination. I remember standing before my new faith community, my home church community, my family and like 233,467,674,556 friends having just said my vows when my mom came forward with the stole. As she reached behind my head to drape it over my shoulders I could see it in her eyes: Now get out there and do what you’ve always always been called to do… bring people together into community. Bring ALL the people together into community! (also I saw her pride which, now as a mom, I absolutely understand!)
The Christian holiday of Pentecost remembers the story in Act when Peter stood in a room with Jews from EVERYWHERE. This means they had between them so many different languages and practices, traditions and habits. In previous texts we are told how hard it was for Jesus’ disciples to understand Jesus call for them to be inclusive. But in this moment everyone present experienced this other-worldly moment when “tongues of fire” came down around them touching each one on the head (as if in baptism!) after which “each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.” Suddenly, they could understand each other despite their differences! The Holy Spirit in the form of fire brought them together including each of them equally in this blessed moment. This is what we celebrate – IN RED! – at Pentecost. It’s what the church was meant to be and to create and even to advocate for beyond themselves. And it is always my pleasure to lead this charge!
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Cheryl