A Pentecost Reflection

One of my music professors lamented that Pentecost tends to get overlooked in the Church. It often falls around Memorial Day, and we start thinking about summer plans. The incarnation at Christmas and resurrection of Easter Sunday receive so much attention with greeting cards and elaborate dinners. I am willing to bet no one reading this has decorated their house for Pentecost. When you come to worship this Sunday, though, you will know it is Pentecost: Red banners are hung. Pentecost music will be sung. Scripture will be heard in multiple languages, and the congregation will be wearing Pentecost red. 

Pentecost, when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church, is great cause for celebration. Like the image we use to describe the Holy Spirit, Pentecost reminds us that, once shared, the Gospel of Jesus is like a fire that will go where it wills. We cannot contain it. It is wild and free. It can also mean that the Holy Spirit, within us, can mold and shape us. 

The second stanza of "Come Down, O Love Divine," written by 14th century Italian mystic, Bianco of Siena, reminds us of the re-creating power of the Holy Spirit, 

"O let it freely burn,

till earthly passions turn

to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;

and let thy glorious light

shine ever on my sight,

and clothe me round, the while my path illuming."

You can listen to Fernando Ortega sing this hymn here. 

My prayer for you this week is that you remember the gift of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Blessings,  

Kevin Turner