The Day of Pentecost 2025
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
From the Pentecost story in the Acts of the Apostles, we hear Peter quoting the prophet Joel. "`In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy." We have as a church, no matter the denomination, have neglected these incredible words. The gifts of the Spirit are for everyone! Simple and clear, despite how we humans try to keep some folks outside because of race, creed, culture and orientation. Hearts of fire for the love of God and the people is what Pentecost is all about. Our mission from here on out is simply to carry God's love and spirit to those who have been cast out, neglected and shunned.
A Litany for Pentecost
Wondrous Creator, you made us in great diversity
a beautiful array of colors, cultures and languages
and you put your Spirit in the hearts of all people.
Holy Spirit, come, and fill our beings with God's love.
We too often live by great fear and exclusion
we do not carry your love to strangers and outcasts
and we fail to see the gifts of the Spirit in others.
Holy Spirit, come, and fill our beings with God's love.
You, Lord never discriminate nor cast anyone out
you embrace the children and elders as they sleep
breathing your spirit upon all flesh across the world.
Holy Spirit, come, and fill our beings with God's love.
Give us your Holy Spirit today, Lord Jesus Christ
and make us your disciples as we share your Spirit.
Holy Spirit, come, and fill our beings with God's love.
Take away the pride and the arrogant that destroys
and instead make us humble to serve all humankind.
Holy Spirit, come, and fill our beings with God's love.
Let this day and every day be an opportunity
to let your Spirit loose to embrace all of the people.
Holy Spirit, come, and fill our beings with God's love. Amen.
Yo
Y
No comments:
Post a Comment