A Time Called…Pentecost Sunday

On Pentecost Sunday, Christ’s body, the Church, is born by the power of the Holy Spirit and equipped for service and witness. Pentecost is the story of a spiritual presence so powerful that ordinary people see and do things beyond their own abilities. It is sometimes referred to as the “birthday” of the Church.

Historical Roots of Pentecost

Pentecost is a Greek word meaning Fiftieth Day. It was applied to a Hebrew Festival that happened 50 days after Passover. Christians used the term Pentecost for the celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit, 50 days after the Resurrection.

Finding Meaning in the Tradition

The Bible story is dramatic – full of sound, wind, fire, and extraordinary speech. The result was witness, in word and deed, to the Risen Christ, a new looking outward.  In the story, we see that the Spirit first chose a community setting to manifest its presence and gifts. The Spirit-filled life is one lived in community, where we hear and live out the call to love one another. We do so by the sustaining presence of the Spirit and the Spirit’s gifts. By the Spirit, the ministry of Word and Sacraments receives power and authority. By the Spirit, the community of believers hears God’s call to mission and is equipped to do God’s work in the world.

Pentecost Sunday moves us from a focus on Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection (“The Story of Jesus”), to the gift of the Holy Spirit and its inspiration for sharing Jesus’ teachings through word and action.  We also hear earlier stories from the Hebrew Scriptures of God’s people being led to and following God.  Both comprise “The Story of the People of God.”