THE FESTIVAL OF THE SPIRIT

“… like a mighty, rushing wind

 … like tongues of fire …”

 (Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2)

Wow! Pretty awesome, wouldn’t you agree?! Could be a scene out of a movie depicting the end of the world! Well, as a matter of fact, it was for a group of people the experience of the beginning of a new world, a birth experience. The event is often referred to as “the Birthday of the Church.”

It happened on the Jewish Festival of Pentecost, a celebration of the first grain harvest, which had been sown about 50 days before, around the time of Passover. “Pente” means “50” in Greek.

It had been 40 days since the Passover when the Lord Jesus was executed and raised from death. Now the disciples had the amazing experience of knowing that Jesus was removed to heaven to his rightful place of honor, described by the Church as being “seated on the right hand of the Father,” the same position that you would seat an honored guest at your dinner party.

The witnesses of the Ascension were given a promise at that time that they would not be left “comfortless”, i.e., without leadership, power or strength, but that the Comforter (one who strengthens) would descend upon the believers. Ten days later, as the people were giving thanks for the grain harvest, the promise was fulfilled. The Church remembers the entire episode from Easter to Pentecost as the Great 50 Days of Easter. And so they are. It is as if the seeds planted at the Easter event were ripe for harvest on Pentecost.

And that is who we are as the Church: inheritors of the promise. We have within us the power of Holy Spirit! The question is always, what difference does it make to you, and, how are you using the divine power that is yours? Pentecost (May 11 this year), one of the Principal Feasts of the Lord, is a time to celebrate the Gift, evaluate its meaning for you, and resolve anew to embrace it to the glory of God.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.