May 31, 2009 Sermon
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Day of Pentecost - 2009
May 31, 2009
Allan Conkling Emmanuel, San Angelo
On this day we celebrate the birthday of the Christian church. We marvel in the unpredictability of God. The imagery in Acts is incredible: the windows blow open, the spirit seizes the disciples like a rushing, violent wind; flames of fire light upon them and they begin to speak in strange tongues. The words of Joel the prophet are recalled:
"Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions."
Admittedly Pentecost rarely achieves the status of the other big holidays. It always falls around the beginning of summer so many folks have other plans. But while the numbers fall far short of Christmas or Easter, Pentecost is still a time for celebration.
Throughout his life and in his death Jesus had promised that those who would dare follow him, to pick up their cross, would never be left without his presence. Doubters and skeptics could deny his authority and resist his resurrection. They could point to the suffering and violence that still remains in the world. Yet for those who would dare open their spiritual eyes a gift of seeing the world in a new way was given. A promise was fulfilled that Day of Pentecost, a promise that we even thousands of years later can draw upon for comfort and strength. We will never be separated from God's amazing grace. God is always present here in fellowship, in the sacraments of bread and wine, and in our times of solitude. Love, joy, forgiveness, healing are all the signs God is with us still.
On page 852 of the Prayer Book the question is asked: How do we recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives? The answer is given as follows:
"We recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit when we confess Jesus Christ as Lord and are brought in to love and harmony with God, with ourselves, with our neighbors, and with all creation."
Pentecost reminds us that there is more to this life than what we see, as with the example of air in the balloon (children's sermon lesson). Eternal life is promised to each of us, not because we deserve it, but because God loves us. Furthermore, because God has poured the Spirit upon us, our church has been given the task of sharing in God's plan of redemption with our community, or families, friends and the world.
Today we are a vital part of God's kingdom, "on earth as it is in heaven": a kingdom of inclusion, compassion and justice, and love for every member of God's creation. How we use our gifts can be as unique as every individual in this room. One thing is for certain, sitting still is not an option. As the disciples went forth in the fullness of the Spirit, so can we. Have a blessed Pentecost.
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Revised: 06/07/09