Pentecost

Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you."

"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." John 14:8-27

When we woke up this morning it was snowing. May 19th and we have a little bit of snow. Living is Southeast Alaska has taken some getting used to and I am surprised from time to time by the weather and the challenges of life on this island. At the same time, the opportunity to experience a radically different environment and to serve with these amazing people has been anything but a challenge. It has changed my whole perspective.

Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. The disciples were meeting together regularly in order to pray and find their way through after such devastating loss. They were surprised by the Holy Spirit, given power and strength when before they had only one another. They had remained faithful in new and challenging times and God responding by giving them the strength and power for the ministry ahead. The church was born on that day, and because of their willingness to be faithful in the face of challenges, we have a rich heritage of faith. We also have the power and the strength to serve the world because of their faithfulness.

Today, I ask God to help me be faithful and to trust completely. The little surprises and challenges of today seem small in comparison to God's promises and blessings. May we remain faithful, trusting that we will be given power and strength, not for ourselves alone, but for the healing of our world.