Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Acts 2:1-21 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,  Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”  All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”  But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.  Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning.  No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.

Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.

And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

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Reflect

Today is Pentecost Sunday. It is on this day that we, as Christians, celebrate the birthday of Christ’s bride and body, the Church. And we can’t celebrate the birthday of the Church without acknowledging where the life of the Church comes from – the Holy Spirit.

In John 14:8-27 of our Daily Office readings from RCL, we see where Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will be our advocate, our guide, our teacher, and our reminder of everything that Jesus has taught us.

This morning, as you sit under the preaching of the word, be receptive to what the Holy Spirit says through God’s Word.

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Pray

Almighty and Everlasting God, thank You for the life-giving power of Your Spirit. Grant us the empowerment and wisdom to hear and obey Your voice. Let us go forth, this day, as the apostles did on the Day of Pentecost, full of joy, and ready to share the good news of Jesus. In Your Son’s precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.

Go with God!