Pentecost Sunday

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 

Acts 2:1-4 NIV

This week many friends posted long updates on big life changes, health issues, and responses to national tragedies–all with open hearts for shared joy and pain.  As an introvert, it has always been hard for me to be in the center of attention, deferring to those who shine and lead with flair and passion. So, I have read, with a smile of personal interest, that the Holy Spirit is the introvert of the Trinity, and here it is Pentecost, the sort of coming out of the Spirit with wind and fire.  When the Spirit moves, calls, and falls fresh on us, there can be no doubt about the power and relevance of this person of the Trinity. I like to think of the Spirit as female, wisdom, presence, and the One who points us to the truth.

However, I can see the introvert nature of the Spirit as she is comfortable standing back and pointing our gaze to Jesus, the person of the Trinity who is salvation.  After all, you can “see” Jesus as he said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)  And yet as Jesus prepared to ascend into heaven and leave our line of sight, he promised the help of the one hidden inside us:

I am the way the truth, and the life…if you know me, you know my Father also.  From now on you do know him and have seen him. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth…you know him, for he lives with you and (is) in you.

John 14:6-7,16-17 NIV

The awesome thing about the Trinity, the roles and work of the Father, Son, and Spirit, is that they show us how to live in community.  Each member of the Trinity points us to the others. We all fit together when we are seen for our unique giftedness and place at the table.  I may be an introvert, but it is when I listen, see, and feel the Spirit in me that I come alive to who I am as a beloved daughter of God the Father and follower of Christ, the truth and life of my adventurous obedience. The Spirit empowers and enables my spirit to fly free.

Reflect. Spend a moment looking at the beauty and freedom of Pedro Manuel Armiento’s art featured here. Open your arms and spirit to the Spirit of God, the one behind the scenes, orchestrating the symphony of love that is the community of believers around the world.

Pentecost has come at a good time to remind us of the “connectedness” of the Spirit dwelling in us as a promise of help, comfort, truth, and joy. We are not confined to one room, but are called to be everywhere bringing peace and freedom as we forgive and love in Christ’s name.

Listen for where the Spirit is sending you out. See someone’s giftedness and appreciate them with gratitude. Feel the joy of companionship on the journey by getting together again.

Heavenly Father, grant that, gathered and directed by your Spirit,
we may live with Christ as our Way, our Truth,
and combine our diverse gifts with a singular passion
to continue the mission of love and peace in this world
until we join in your kingdom come.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

For a contemplative Visio Divina using an African Pentecost scene:

https://robbijames.com/2020/05/29/burst-of-joy/