ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 24, 2026
Today is Pentecost Sunday, often referred to as the birthday of the church. Jesus, after the resurrection and forty days of teaching and eating, ascended to Heaven. And though the disciples were a little freaked to be on their own, Jesus had already prepared for the moment. Earlier, according to John’s Gospel, Jesus had said to them, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). The church was born of fire and a vision of what was possible through the Spirit of God. I believe many have read those words and assumed they were intended for the first disciples, and then the Spirit was done. It is as if the teaching of everything and the reminding of what Jesus said does not continue. But what if we believed the Holy Spirit persisted in teaching and reminding us, doing so as an advocate or counselor, in this unique moment of time? What might the Holy Spirit be telling us about the expectations of Jesus for us in this moment filled with so many things that first-century Christians would have never pondered? If so, are we paying attention?
Holy and Gentle Spirit, we earnestly pray for ears that will be receptive and hearts that will be open to the teachings you seek to impart to us, as well as reminders of what Jesus expected. Amen.
