Readings and Reflections for The Day of Pentecost
Dear Friends, This will be the last of the Sunday notes I’ll be sending out as part of the ministry I’ve had as Rector of St. Matthew’s. It has been a joy to be able to reflect on the Sunday lessons with you, and I pray that you will continue in the practice of looking at the lessons for upcoming Sundays as part of your preparation for worship. The Lord bless you! Here is a address to a “Lectionary Page” that, while not giving you notes or comments, will give you easy access to the weekly readings. This should work if you cut and paste it into your browser.
http://www.lectionarypage.net/
Acts 2:1-21
Romans 8:14-17
John 14:8-17
In language suggestive of the Trinity, the gospel passage from John 14 describes the mystery of how the Father is in the Son (Jesus) just as Jesus (the Son) is in the Father. And Jesus promises to his followers the same intimate relationship with the Father, who at Jesus’ request will give them the Spirit to be within them.
The account of Pentecost recorded in Acts chapter 2 describes the dramatic moment when the promised Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples of Jesus as they were gathered for prayer. The Spirit sends them out of hiding into the streets, where they find themselves miraculously able to communicate the message of Jesus with people of diverse languages and cultures.
In Romans 8, Paul describes the work of the Holy Spirit within us, the sure indication that we are children of God and led by God.
Comment: Jesus offers us the very same life with God that he has in himself! It is almost impossible for me to fully grasp what this means, but it is the promise made to us. The Holy Spirit/Counselor is God alive in you and me, living and moving, leading and teaching us. Perhaps more amazing than this promise is how we so quickly and easily lose touch with this promise, and live by our own resources. So I cry with Psalm 51: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me….Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
David S. Robinson, Rector
Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church
Maple Glen, PA 19002