Pent E cost

The season of Pentecost begins in the southern hemisphere as the weather gets colder. Yet we hear in the first week a lively story of warmth and energy where in Acts Chapter 2 a story describes the coming of the Holy Spirit and uses images such rushing wind and of tongues of fire descending upon a gathering of people in Jerusalem for a religious festival. This gospel narrative pictures this group energised to tell people of many nationalities about Jesus.

This dramatic story pointed to the Holy Spirit as God’s life empowering folk to witness in their own languages about the saving acts of God in Jesus the Christ. Another aspect of the work of the Holy Spirit was to challenge and break down societal barriers between people. In Acts chapter 2 Peter recalled the prophecy of Joel to describe how God’s Spirit did not discriminate but was poured out on all flesh ages and genders and those who were slaves or free. In this way the Spirit showed equity and inclusion amongst the believers and early faith communities. Later in Acts numerous stories speak of how Christ’s followers served, proclaimed, and did the same kinds of acts Jesus did. They came to understand that the Holy Spirit equipped them to serve.

In John’s gospel the Holy Spirit is depicted as a guide and advocate who desires to help and stand with those who follow Jesus so that they might recall Jesus’ teachings to help live faithfully. In this way, the Holy Spirit educated the believers toward living the Word of God they had received.

I discovered studying my PhD that education, equity, and empowerment are also all marks of healthy communities according to The World Health Organisation’ Health Milestones, (W. H. O. (2009). Milestones in health promotion: Statements from global conferences.) So, a way of listening to these ancient stories can be to see how God, the Holy Spirit created new and healthy communities. The Spirit in our lives and hearts still can empower, educate, grant equity, and equip us to follow Jesus in our time and communities in ways that echo the Biblical narratives, breaking down barriers and granting energy, equity, and justice.

A final ‘e’ word associated with Pentecost is enthusiasm linked to the Greek ‘en Theos’ translated to be ‘in God.’ So let us share our faith and lives in God enthusiastically this Pentecost.

Rev Dr Lynette Dungan