Pentecost

It is sometimes said that Pentecost is the birthday of the Church.  Prior to this time, the disciples and apostles followed Jesus in person.  They were with Him, watching and learning, preparing for a future that they had no idea was coming.  But now they (and we!) are the Church, the Body of Christ.  The Church was born!

Among all the truths that Pentecost brings us are two that I want to think about today.  Pentecost first reminds us that the church is much more than just another club.  There are many clubs that we join for various interests — fishing, hiking, sewing, golfing, knitting, reading novels, etc.  The Church is not just a club with some religious activities — the Church is the living, breathing Body of Christ!

Second, and flowing from the first, the church is not dependent on you and me.  We are dependent on the Holy Spirit of God.  That does not mean we toss it off to the Spirit.  God promises us the Holy Spirit to guide, to strengthen, to give us the gifts needed for what He intends for us to accomplish.  But we still have to get up and do it!  Another pastor I knew had a sign in his office: “Pray as if everything depends on God.  Work as if everything depends on you.”  Pretty good advice, I think.

Prior to Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was given only to special, selected individuals:  prophets, kings, etc.  Now the Holy Spirit is promised to all who turn to Jesus!  No longer can we look to someone else, some specially anointed one, to do the work.  We are each given the Spirit and we are each part of the Body!  Are you doing your part?

This column appeared in the May 19, 2024 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.

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