the day of pentecost
the PRAYER. . .
O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING. . .
Jesus said to [the disciples] again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
the DEVOTION. . .
“The more things change, the more they stay the same!” At least, according to the proverb. Cynical. Skeptical. On the one hand, it appears to say that nothing ever changes. No matter what. No matter how. The more we do, the harder we try, the more quo the status remains. It’s discouraging. Disheartening. But then, on the other hand …
Here we are! The Day of Pentecost! Ten days after Jesus took his place at god’s right hand! Fifty days after he rose from the dead! In fact, the passage we read, this week, is one we’ve already read! A month ago, now! The evening of the first day! Behind locked doors. Jesus coming and standing among the disciples. “Peace!” He shows them his hands, his side. Then, he breathes on them! “Receive the Spirit!” There’s no crowd! No violent wind! No tongues of fire! No one to amaze. Nothing to astound. There’s only Jesus. Only Jesus crucified. Only Jesus raised. Doing, once again, what only Jesus did in the beginning … breathing life into the earth, breathing life into the ashes, breathing life into the dust! So, I guess it’s true what they say … The more things change, the more they really do stay the same! Thanks be to god!
Bob Barndt, pastor