As a child, I was unaware of the true meaning of Pentecost – a continuation of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection – the gift of accompaniment here and beyond, into life everlasting. It’s easy to miss the significance of this holy day. Here it is: Jesus says he will never leave us.
When God’s only begotten son, Jesus, came to us for our salvation and the forgiveness of sins, this was perfect love and grace – the ultimate gift. And it didn’t stop there. The gift continues through the Holy Spirit, given to reach the disciples, us and future generations. We haven’t seen anything yet! Jesus’ ministry did not end on the cross; it continues, now through us.
When the Holy Spirit is embedded in our lives, we continue the journey the apostles left for us, together with our siblings in Christ from all walks of life. Like a vibrant, inner light, the Holy Spirit comforts and challenges us in our broken world.
This message is excerpted from “Pentecost promise” by Ralen Robinson in the June 2019 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Seattle, chief of the Duwamish Confederacy, 1866.
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