When I enter the Pentecost story, I am in the crowd. I listen to Peter from a sea of black, brown, beige and ruddy faces. I wonder, “What in the world is going on? Why is this happening? Do others feel what I’m feeling?!”
The story, like Jesus, is honest, challenging and even a little messy. It’s also relatable as we struggle with war, civil unrest, political upheaval, violence, racism, bias, exclusion and injustice. Pentecost reminds us even as it admonishes: Christ’s church is the people – all nations, languages, ages, genders and colors.
To embrace Pentecost in this way is to celebrate it like Advent and Christmas: We’d anticipate, prepare, and plan. Maybe we’d strive to create a sense of Pentecost all year. Pentecost should inspire passion, hope and the belief that God blesses every person.
We must be builders, preparers, tenders, nurturers, stewards and protectors. If we look at Pentecost as a call to include, seek understanding and broaden circles, what can we do individually and in our churches and communities?
This message is excerpted from “Pentecost all year” by Karris Golden in the June 2022 Café online magazine. Today is Pentecost Sunday.
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