3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that sep-arated and came to rest on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and beganto speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
- P106
7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Aren‘t all these who arespeaking Galileans?
8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our nativelanguage? - P104
The day of Pentecost comes, and the Holy Spirit comes upon the apostlesas a strong wind. They all start speaking in different tongues. - P107
Jews who hadcome from other nations hear them and are bewildered. They wonder howthese simple Galileans can do this. But some people mock them saying theyhave had too much to drink. - P107
Waiting is not easy for most of us. But obeying the instructions of theirLord, the disciples come together to pray and wait. - P108
It is Pentecost, andJews and Jewish converts from nations throughout the known worldgather in Jerusalem to commemorate the giving of the Law to Mosesand to celebrate the harvest. But this Pentecost is like no other. - P108
As Jesuspromised, the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples like tongues of fire.
Through the enabling of the Spirit, the disciples declare the salvationoffered through Jesus, the Messiah. - P108
The Law of Moses is eclipsed by thegrace found in Jesus, and the new harvest to be celebrated is that of thenations who, through the witness of the disciples, will be gathered intoGod‘s kingdom. - P108
This small band of faithful disciples from Galilee is met by the crowdsin Jerusalem with a reaction of both wonder and cynicism. - P108
When God‘sSpirit moves among His people, empowering them as His witnesses,
others will notice. Their responses, however, are always mixed. Somerespond in wonder, recognizing that something divine is happening.
Others react cynically, explaining away divine empowerment as a cheapparlor trick or as the behavior of people who are not in their rightminds. - P108
The gospel message will not always be welcomed or accepted.
Our responsibility as disciples is to seek the empowering of the Spirit aswe testify to the good news of Christ. - P108
The rest is up to God. - P108
Lord, You are God over all nations. I rejoice that all may come to You just asthey are, knowing that through Jesus, they are accepted. - P109
Thank you for theopen borders of Your kingdom that beckon to all people. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P109
|