Celebrating Pentecost is different this year. While some are disappointed at not being able to celebrate in person at church, this is an opportunity to experience the work of the Holy Spirit in new ways. Pentecost in the Jewish tradition was known as the Festival of Weeks. The Festival of Weeks occurred 50 days after the Passover celebration. When the disciples met for the Festival of Weeks and the Holy Spirit entered like a rush of wind giving them the ability to speak different languages, the church was born — and Pentecost took on new meaning. 

New life

The Gospel of John reports that before Jesus died, he assured the disciples that they would never be alone: “The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you” (John 14:26). Even though Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection and spent time with them, it was not the same as it had been.

We too have experienced distance from our church family. Meeting online is not the same as being together in the flesh! Yet, the Holy Spirit breathed new life and purpose into the room where the disciples gathered, and it quickly spread far beyond their dreams. On this Pentecost, we too can experience the Holy Spirit breathing new life and purpose into us as we figure out how to navigate what lies ahead. 

New purpose 

Even though we have the Holy Spirit as our Helper, we may feel like we do not know where or how to start. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit has given us creative gifts. We are called to listen, follow and faithfully pursue new ways to reach new people during this time. Having our physical buildings closed forces us to work outside of those buildings, to learn new ways of worshipping and sharing God with the world, and to receive and use the gifts of the Spirit in ways we never before attempted nor imagined!

Question of the day: How do you describe the Holy Spirit?
Focal scriptures: Acts 2:1-12, 38-41; Acts 9:1-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.