Pentecost - The On-Going Miracle
2021년 5월 23일Pentecost – The On-Going Miracle
< The Solemnity of Pentecost >
Pentecost is the least celebrated yet most significant holiday in the Christian calendar. Without Pentecost we would never have heard about Jesus’ resurrection. After his Ascension the disciples lacked the conviction and courage to act on their beliefs, much less risk their lives to proclaim it to others–until the Jewish feast of Weeks (Shavuot), fifty days after Passover. (Pentecost means 50). This is the day the Jewish people celebrate the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. Being faithful Jews, the disciples gathered in Jerusalem for the feast. They knew the Law. They knew the Psalms. They knew the prophecies, especially those referring to Jesus. They knew this good news was meant for all peoples of every nation. But knowing, believing and doing are very different activities.
And so, one final time, they gathered in faith —and in fear. But this time, according to Luke, something wonderful happened: the house in which they were began to shake as if by a mighty wind. Fiery flames came to rest over each of them. Filled with nothing less than the very Spirit of God, they burst out into the crowded streets of Jerusalem and began to preach a very radical —and dangerous message: Jesus, the Crucified, is the Messiah, and is risen.
In summary: had it not been for Pentecost, we would never have heard of Jesus, his teaching, his death and his resurrection. The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to proclaim the message boldly, despite the risks, dangers and difficulties. And here’s the greater mystery: Pentecost continues today! God continues to pour out the Holy Spirit on ALL peoples, no less today than in the Upper Room 2,000 years ago. We know the Lord told us to love our enemies, to treat all people as our brothers and sisters, and to forgive 70 times seven times. We know what God requires of us; the Spirit empowers us to actually live it. The Kingdom is truly at hand!