It’s Pentecost….the day that we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is on the loose – is working all around us, in places and people you never imagined. Even in us.
Cool…..but how do we know for sure? After all, I don’t see any tongues of fire resting on heads in here….and I haven’t seen them out in the community lately either. So ….how do we know that the spirit is doing things? How do we recognize where the spirit at work in us and in the world?
Well….I think the Bible readings today can help us answer that question.
In our first lesson, when the spirit unleashes upon those disciples on that Pentecost day…there may be tongues of fire….but what also happens, is that suddenly the disciples tell Jesus’ story in every different language known at the time. Huh. So…it appears that the spirit isn’t revealed when we all speak the same language and come from the same perspective. Rather, the spirit is present in this wild rumpus of all different languages and perspectives and cultures that makes up our human family. The spirit speaks Arabic and Hebrew and Greek as well as English and Spanish and German and Swahili and Chinese and thousands of other languages. Here we learn that the spirit is not limited to one group…to one “kind” of people….but it is in and with and for all people….the crazier the diversity – the more fully we see the Holy Spirit in action.
And that same Spirit, Peter says, gives dreams to the elderly. Visions to young people…and empowers slaves to prophesy and demonstrate the presence of God. Hmmm…So, have you ever heard a congregation say…we’re just a bunch of old people…we need young families. We’re all tired out. The spirit says…who cares how old you are? You can dream God’s dream. The spirit works in your life …in your kindness…in your faithfulness.
Or ….Have you ever heard people scoff at kids and their ideas – how they want to change things. Don’t they know it’s been done this way forever for a reason? What do they know, after all, of the real world? When they grow up, they’ll realize how naïve they are. But I’m telling you…young people…..Peter’s telling you — Don’t listen to them. God’s visions for the future are in you…the spirit is doing something new through you.
And though we may not have slaves in our culture….we definitely have folks who are often invisible to others as they do their work….people who do not get the spotlight, or have the impressive credentials ….the man washing dishes at the restaurant….the folks caring for our elders in the nursing home and our toddlers at day care centers….the woman picking your strawberries — and what we learn … is that the spirit speaks a prophetic word through them….they reveal how far we are from living up to God’s heart for justice and respect for all.
So…we learn from Acts –how do we recognize the spirit? Well – wherever all people – all languages – all ages – all abilities – all classes and communities are celebrated and valued…. You know that the holy spirit is blowing there.
And then, in our second lesson, Paul says that the spirit works in us and through us by giving us all sorts of talents and gifts. Some have gifts of healing – for instance, like those who work in health care…doctors and nurses…or who are counselors or therapists – or work in hospice or are caregivers.. And others have gifts of wisdom – they understand people…they understand ideas….and help us make sense of the world. And others have gifts of the utterance of knowledge…they are good teachers….they know how to explain, how to demonstrate. Some have the gift of miracles….they make impossible things happen – I mean … some of the technological, engineering, medical or pharmaceutical breakthroughs that some folks can come up with are just downright miraculous…those are gifts of God’s Holy Spirit. And some have gifts of faith….those folks still believe when we are struggling to hang on to our faith….they keep the faith for us. …like those grandparents who pray for their grandchildren and trust God’s hand in their life even when those kids seem unaware. And Some have the gifts of prophecy – of speaking the truth…challenging us to see things we would rather ignore… encouraging us to be our best selves. Some have gifts of tongues – of prayer, of sharing stories…of talking with others. Others have the gift of interpretation – helping us see God in other people’ s lives…or in our own life. And these are just a few of the gifts the Spirit uses. In other letters — Paul lists gifts many more…service, diligence, generosity, hospitality, cheerfulness, compassion. Every single person has gifts….and all are equally important. But….notice… they are important for a certain purpose. The Spirit’s gifts are not given to us for the sake of our personal gain or benefit….but they are given to us….for the common good. The work of the Spirit….is never just about what is good for me. But what is good for ALL.
We know the Holy Spirit is up to something….wherever people are using the gifts God gave them for the sake of others. To make a better world for everyone. The Spirit is at work…where people value the common good.
And then….In our gospel lesson…. When Jesus comes to his disciples – he breathes the Holy Spirit on them. And what does he say? Peace be with you.
The last time Jesus saw the disciples….they had deserted him….they had left him to face his trial and execution alone. So here they are, a small little group – not knowing what to do next — feeling hopeless, feeling ashamed…..and Jesus shows up. And there are no reprimands. No lectures. No – “How could you have done that?” No – “ You should have believed.” Jesus simply says “Peace be with you.”
Jesus comes into the disciples’ locked room….and with his word of peace – he gives them the forgiveness they need. He forgives them, loves them, is WITH them. It is simple, pure grace. And then he helps them understand exactly how powerful and important that is in this world.
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven….the slate is clean. A new beginning is possible. The spirit flows freely. …..but he also reminds them…that if they retain the sins of any, they are retained.
Some people think that means the church has the right not to forgive. I don’t think that’s the case. Far from it. I think it’s rather a reminder by Jesus…that when we don’t forgive….when we hold people’s sins in our hearts….they stay. They fester. And they poison the work of the spirit in us and around us.
Did any of you ever see the movie “Maleficent”? It’s the tale of Sleeping Beauty….but with a bit more background story. In that version, it was Maleficent’s unwillingness to forgive that poisons her and ends up sucking the joy out of her whole kingdom. It is her retention of another’s sin…that turns her from delighting in the world around her…to seeking revenge and cruelty. She becomes bitter, hard, and dark. And it is only when she learns to love again…to forgive….that new life and restoration are possible. That peace becomes a possibility in the kingdom. I’m thinking the Holy spirit was at work in those Disney studios when they made that movie.
It turns out you really don’t know the holy spirit will turn up…she’s on the loose indeed.
In all sorts of unexpected places…with moments of peace…with surprising joy…with undeserved grace. When you see that….you can be sure….ahh…that’s the holy spirit. There.
This Pentecost celebration….is a reminder of how the church began on that day with tongues of fire and a cacophony of languages….but it is also a reminder of what we are still intended to be as a church today….a place where the spirit moves freely…..where we honor and celebrate ALL people…where we use our gifts for the sake of others…and where we forgive one another and offer peace.
But Pentecost is also a reminder that the work of the Spirit isn’t limited to the church. Because sometimes the church drops the ball…and it stifles the spirits work. But the promise is that wherever these things are happening in the world….God’s spirit is still at work. Even in spite of us at times. Wherever the wild rumpus of God’s people and cultures are celebrated and honored…wherever people are working for the common good… wherever there is reconciliation and hope …wherever forgiveness is practiced and compassion and mercy are offered – that….that right there…it is the Holy Spirit.
Yes… God IS on the loose in this big wide world….Sometimes through us….sometimes around us….but whatever the case — the spirit is alive and well. Thanks be to God. Amen.
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