We have just celebrated “Pentecost”, the Christian celebration of the ancient Jewish event remembering the passing over the Jewish families in Egypt by the angel of death and the subsequent Exodus from Egypt.  The Christian celebration focuses on the Acts account of the coming of the Holy Spirit to the infant church.

Now we move into the Christian season of Pentecost where we recognize God’s presence in every day circumstances.  Moments and events of ordinary lives are special and sacred.  They become vehicles of God’s grace and we are challenged to experience what it means to follow Jesus in the routines of daily life.

We begin the season praising God who creates, rescues and strengthens us; and we end with a story about Jesus welcoming, healing and loving all. In between we have opportunities to explore what it means to be a disciple, what it means to be rich toward God, what it means to step out of the shadow in response to God’s call. 

We explore what faith is and what makes faith possible.  Several readings focus on Elijah and Elisha, prophets in the northern kingdom of Israel.  These dramatic accounts present opportunities to explore questions about God’s power in the world, about listening for God’s voice and remaining hopeful in the low times of our lives, about leadership, picking up a ministry, and passing on the faith.

Pentecost is a season with traditional association to God’s reign and spirit.  God is active and present in our midst.  We are called to follow Jesus in doing acts of compassion.  We are called to the work of bringing about God’s reign of justice and peace in the world.

May this season be one of challenge and response of hope and joy.

Your friend in Christ,