Say What?

“Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”

Acts 2:3-4

Today we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost! Perhaps the immediate image that comes to mind when one hears “Pentecost” is tongues of fire descending on the Apostles. Which is true, but there’s so much more than that. What happened at Pentecost was life-changing, earth-shattering, and life-giving. Pentecost is often called the “Birthday of the Church” because on that day the Holy Spirit came down upon the people and “those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day” (Acts 2:41). The Apostles no longer hid in fear behind those locked doors. They were filled with the Spirit and began to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people even to the point of imprisonment and ultimately to the point of martyrdom. At one point we are told that they even rejoiced at the chance to be imprisoned and suffer for the name of Jesus. What about the Holy Spirit caused this to happen?

The people although from different places and spoke different languages all understood one another. Those who did not believe accused them of being drunk and probably questioned, “Say what?” They couldn’t understand them because their hearts were closed. The Holy Spirit descended and filled the hearts of those who were open with love. The language of the Holy Spirit is love, one that transcends all human barriers. Today is Pentecost and the Holy Spirit is knocking at the door of your heart. Will you say, “Say What?” or will you say, “Come, Holy Spirit!”

A Personal Call

“When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.’”

John 21:21-22

As a child whenever I saw a friend or classmate have something that I liked or was able to do something that I wanted to do, I always asked, “Why do so and so’s parents let them do this or buy them that?” My mom would say, “Well, that is so and so’s parents, not yours.” Then I would just grumble and demand the heavens to give a reason for this injustice! Does this resonate with you?

After having that beautiful encounter with Jesus on the shore, and having been told how his life would come to glorify God, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him[John]?” It’s like a parent or teacher or even a friend who tells you something about yourself and then you say, “Yea? Well what about Andy?” Jesus basically told Peter, “What is to happen with John is not your business.” In fact Jesus said, “What concern is it of yours?” I can only imagine Peter debating and stomping his feet inside his mind. Then Jesus tells Peter, “You follow me.”

Brothers and sisters, our relationship with the Lord is unique and personal. Mine is different from yours, but not any better or worse, more or less. It is my relationship with the Lord and it is your relationship with the Lord. Your calling is different than my calling. Comparisons in the spiritual life is self-defeating. God made us each unique and yet in His one image and likeness. It is our uniqueness and personal commitment to the call and the spiritual life that reflect the glory and love of that same God. When we are tempted to ask “Why does his prayer life look so much more fruitful?” or “Why is my life so much harder than his, and he doesn’t even believe in God!” let us remember what Jesus said to Peter.

Jesus says to you today, “Don’t worry about the other person’s calling and prayer life, focus on yours. You follow me.”

Merciful Love

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’”

John 21:15

This is perhaps one of the most touching scenes in John’s Gospel. After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared several times to His disciples. Here on the shore Jesus was preparing breakfast and invited the Apostles to join Him. After eating, Jesus spoke with Peter. We probably expected Jesus to ask Peter, “What happened? Why did you leave and deny me like that?” but instead Jesus asked him, “Do you love me?”

Jesus never brought up what had happened just days and weeks ago — how Peter after having said he’d die for Him, leave Him and deny of ever having known Him. Jesus simply yet profoundly asked Peter, “Do you love me?” not once but three times. With each time, Peter must have been brought deeper and deeper into his history and relationship with Jesus. That question invited Peter to think about who he was, who Jesus was, and why they’re there. In fact, Jesus reminds Peter who he was with that question, and He also gave him a task. Only when we know who we are and whose we are will be be moved to mission.

Jesus doesn’t hold our sins against us and over our heads. Jesus approaches us with mercy, love, and an invitation. Jesus also doesn’t force us into relationship with Him. He asks, “Do you love me?” He respects our agency and free will. Today Jesus comes to you with an invitation of relationship and offers you love and mercy. How will you respond?