Today is the day we celebrate Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Easter, the day Scripture tells us that a Spirit descended on the apostles gathered for the Jewish celebration of the Feast of Weeks, and their tongues became tongues of fire. The story tells us that others gathered in Jerusalem heard Galileans speaking to them in their own tongues.
As one writer notes, those gathered in Jerusalem were peoples subjugated by the Roman Empire, the foremost oppressor of that day. As we think about the story of Pentecost, we should consider what it means to break free from subjugation, from what it is that really controls our lives.
First, we must name those things or powers that oppress us, that make us less than who we ought to be – possessions, the drive for money, the drive for power. Much of it gets tied up in the “America first” mentality resulting in an unholy and unhealthy to always be on top, above everyone else. One lesson of Pentecost should be humility.
Prayer for the Day
Transfiguring God, may your Spirit come and be among us
Empowering us to be truly your people in this world;
Enabling God, we pray that we not shirk from what is required
But that in your Spirit we find the grace that makes us humble.
Inflame us with a passion for your righteousness and mercy
So we open our hearts to the world around.
Be with us now and in the future, as you have been in the past,
In the name of the One who shares you with us all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom.”
Michel de Montaigne, from Essays (1533-1592)
The greatest wisdom consists in knowing one's own follies.”
Madeleine De Souvre Sable, French philosopher (1599-1678)
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation,
For you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
For they have been from of old.
Psalm 25: 4-7