Pentecost

"But when the Counselor comes, the Spirit of truth, the Spirit will guide you into all truth." John 16:13

Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit in power on the disciples as they were gathered in Jerusalem. They had been huddled together for many days, afraid of the authorities. They had not been able to do anything but gather and pray, and maybe a little bit of fishing. They were simple people who had lost their leader and friend, and whose grief was great. They remembered well what he had said, but they were still afraid and without a way forward. They continued to pray.

They continued to pray and the Holy Spirit came upon them first in a very public and bold ways, and then in more quiet subtle ways. The church began among frightened unsteady people who remembered to pray and believe. Love and power came in their midst because of what they did. we have God's love and power in our lives because of their faithfulness.

May we who might feel our faith is not enough, rejoice. May we who are anxious, frustrated or in pain, rejoice. May we who need a kind word and support be glad. For God's Holy Spirit is for the weak and the bold alike. God's comfort and reassurance is for all of us. God's undiminished power is working in every single one of us, through us, and through the unique gifts and circumstances we bring. So may this be a day of Joy, for the Spirit comes for the timid and the fearful alike, giving us the power to love and to be transformed even in the face of the greatest adversity.