When we read the texts appointed for Pentecost, a clear
theme emerges. The work of the Spirit
includes everyone! The life-giving and
empowering breath of God is found throughout creation, and all that lives
shares in the divine ruach.
The first reading for Pentecost
Sunday, Acts 2:1-21, narrates the coming of the Spirit upon devout Jews from
“every nation under heaven.” Diverse in
their many languages, they hear the proclamation of the apostles in their own
tongue. Further, Peter cites Joel’s
prophecy, which specifically includes women among the recipients of the
outpoured Spirit. Acts 1 is very clear
that women are among those gathered in the upper room, waiting for the coming
of the Spirit in power. The iconography
of the church places Mary in the very center of those touched by wind and fire.
The second reading
from Psalm 104 expands the circumference of the Spirit’s vivifying
activity. All creatures look to God for
holy breath, and when God sends forth the Spirit, all are renewed (v. 30). Without the creative power of God blowing
through creation, nothing could continue to live.
The epistle
offers a vision of how the Spirit draws into one new humanity both Jews and
Greeks, as well as those of very different social status—slave and free. The generous over-spilling of the Spirit into
a differentiated world is the way God chooses to forge harmony where alienation
has reigned.
The Gospel
reading links receiving the Spirit with the capacity to participate in the
forgiveness of sins (John 20:22-23). While
Thomas is not present, he soon learns that the presence of the Spirit creates a
welcoming place for him, with all his doubts.
The disciples soon have the opportunity to see how the Risen
Christ—embodied Spirit—welcomes disbelief.
I have just
returned from the funeral of my beloved—and ancient—Aunt Jerry, who was buried
yesterday in Muskogee, Oklahoma, after nearly 101 years of faithful
inclusion. She managed to engage a wide
variety of persons, both at home and from around the world, with genuine
interest and respect. It surprised no one that the congregation included
Asians, African Americans, Native Americans, Democrats and Republicans, those
who honor women in ministry and those who do not and, perhaps more to the point
in her musically gifted household, those who love classical music and those who
prefer George Strait. (Please place me in the former grouping!)
Pentecost
is surely about the birth of the church; yet, the vision of the Spirit was
never to sunder those who proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus from the
historical people of God, the Jews. God
always wants to find ways to include. So
should we.
Molly T.
Marshall
Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping
church, and serving humanity.
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