This weekend, the church celebrates the Day of Pentecost. The Book of Acts records the events. Pentecost is a Jewish festival that takes place 50 days after Passover. 

Many would observe the holiday with a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Temple. Followers of Judaism from throughout the world filled Jerusalem the day that the Holy Spirit lit upon the Apostles and sent them out with the proclamation that Jesus is Lord. By God’s power, all who were present understood this message in their own language. 

The Spirit begins its work with the disciples waiting in Jerusalem. It all starts with fire and wind and words. Many come to faith, believe this proclamation and are baptized. A community of faith that gathers to praise and serve people is born. 

We continue to invoke the Spirit’s presence in worship and prayer, in study and in service. We particularly recognize the Spirit’s presence in baptism, confirmation and ordination. These rites center on affirmation, authority and the laying on of hands. We trust that the Spirit has been present with and continues to renew the Church. 

Rev. John Topolewski reminds us that “the Spirit is at work, with us today, in our interest in and commitment to the poor, those who seek justice, the peacemakers, those who feed, and clothe and care. The Spirit is at work when the Word Is preached; when the bread is broken… And the Spirit is at work in the lives of people who seem superficially to be very ordinary, but who become capable of acts of faithfulness that can move us and help us see beyond our own concerns. We celebrate today that hope giving Spirit, and we show the whole wide world that the Jesus who rose is with us still, working for a new day and a new kingdom.”

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. John Tabaka is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe.