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New growth from an urban farm in Liberia.
Saturday before Pentecost
Intention
Today we pray for the grace of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Opening prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Scripture
"When Pentecost day came round, the apostles had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and then something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech." (Acts 2:1-4)
Reflection
The community of disciples are all gathered for the Festival of Weeks, or Shavuot, a Jewish pilgrimage festival, celebrated 50 days after Passover, when the Spirit dramatically arrives as wind and fire.
The wind blows new life into the infant Church. It is no gentle breeze but a violent, rushing sound which disrupts complacency, blows away staleness and brings new vision and connection. May this wind sweep through our lives too with its energy and renewal.
The fire kindles the awareness of God’s presence; reminding us of the burning bush and the pillar of flame which led the people of Israel. Fire to warm hearts and burn away past failures and divisions.
Yet, for all the drama Pentecost is only the beginning. We may not hear the wind or see the visible flames, but the Spirit continues to help us to learn new languages of love and expand our circle of compassion to include all creation.
To ponder today
Is there somewhere in your life where you sense the Spirit is inviting you to something new? How does that feel?
Prayer
Come Holy Spirit,
blow away division and despair.
Light your flame of courage and hope in us
and warm our hearts with wisdom and love.
Be our Helper, as we seek your ways of justice.
Be our Comforter, as we share your peace with our wounded world.
Be our Advocate, as we call for the fullness of life for all. Amen.
Action
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