Pentecost is a highly revered day of great celebration. The Hebrew scriptures cite Pentecost as an annual Jewish celebration of harvest, fifty days after the first-fruits of the field. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, that feast day was the day the promised Spirit of Truth filled the disciples. This time, Pentecost came with fire and great drama. The disciples were forever changed.
The Gospel reading today* explains the promise of what is about to be given them through the Spirit. Jesus tells the disciples what to expect, in detail. He described a complete change in identity, authority, and power, all defined as a relationship of holy intimacy. He says the Spirit will come as Truth–a counselor, teacher, and empowerer–coming to live within you. Forever. It is no wonder that Christianity continues to stand awestruck on this fiftieth day after Easter to honor and remember this gift.
Now, this Pentecost, I am asking what truth is being offered–what new horizon of faith and action might I explore to honor and remember my life in the Spirit?
First, I want to remember. Jesus said the Spirit would remind us of everything he said and be our teacher. I remember times when my story has felt interwoven with his words, when I have been taught. I remember times when I knew guidance by a divine source both within and beyond me. I remember my baptism at age 10 when I was filled with devotion and surrender and felt forever changed. I want the aliveness of these rememberings to spark deeper truth and trust.
Second, I sense the need to claim, and daily re-claim, the reality of the Spirit of Truth within. It seems important to renew the morning spiritual practice of opening to what is unknown in the day ahead and seek the counsel of the Spirit to prepare for alertness to the movement of the Spirit as the day unfolds, moment by moment.
Third, I need to appropriate Jesus’ assurance of his peace. The climax of this scripture passage describing the gift of the Spirit is the gratuitous gift of his peace. The peace of deep intimacy, the fruit of a life of communion with Abba, the peace of living in the power and truth of the Spirit. Do not let your heart be troubled, Jesus said. Do not be afraid. You have everything you need.
I believe it. Yet my heart is troubled and I experience fear. Almost daily, reading the front page of the paper gets my fears moving. Just yesterday though I was sharing with my mission group how the intensity of both troubles and peace are growing in me in a new rhythm. Side by side, like two firelogs blazing. How can the heart not break over injustice?
Perhaps it is the same fire, one fire of truth blazing. Perhaps my best hope now is to keep remembering and deepening awareness of the Spirit of Truth so that Jesus’ promised peace will steady my devotion and actions. Once again, for me it comes down to spiritual practice. I am grateful to be part of a community of faith that offers accountability for spiritual practices.
—Ann Dean, Dayspring Retreat Mission Group
Reflection Questions
- Would you like to set aside some time for updating your spiritual autobiography, remembering your experience of the Spirit of Truth?
- Can you name a pattern of discernment in your experience, times when you are most aware, or least away, of the Spirit’s guidance?
- Is there a new or re-newed spiritual practice that might open you more fully to the gift of peace?
