Introduction
From its inception, the church was and is a diverse group of people, of a variety of cultures and languages, into which God poured out God’s Spirit, starting a movement that has changed the history of the world. Pentecost communities (church) are to bear witness to the good news of God’s offer of abundant life for all in Christ. And we are not alone; the Holy Spirit accompanies, sustains, and emboldens us to challenge all that denies full life, and to witness to the gift of good news of flourishing life for all in Christ.
This week's news
Beyond the glitzy Pentecost images of tongues of fire, gushing winds and multiple tongues, the gift on Pentecost is one that this country and our world desperately needs. It is the gift to say something – to speak honest words boldly in the midst of the lies we are all fed up with. Why is the Labour party facing its greatest crisis and will the leadership contenders go for honesty and integrity? In the tragic loss of young lives on holiday and the acceptance of responsibility, what words of comfort, justice and hope can we offer? Will the emergency July budget reflect truth and hope for the most vulnerable in our society? Will truth stand a chance after any general election and what words can the church offer? Will it be a word on the unfairness of benefit sanctions or the lies we are fed about poverty and about migrants in the UK?
Reflection
Come, Spirit of truth
What happened to the church when the Spirit was gifted? It stood up and spoke boldly: words of life and hope flowed out from dried up and despairing people, leading to transformed lives. In a world of lies, we all yearn for truth and integrity. Who wants to be deceived by lies, distortions, and half-truths? A healthy church, or community, or nation, is one that seeks and lives out truth. Here in John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the Spirit of truth reminding us that this is a gift of the Spirit. More than a factual/doctrinal understanding, it is a habit and way of life that catches us, and turns us into vessels of justice.
A life of Advocacy – embodying truth
All of life is one ministry, that of Christ. It is a ministry of grace living out the way of truth. As truth-bearing icons of Christ, we live out truth in our homes, our work places, our communities, our families and among our friends. God’s Spirit leads, empowers and sustains us to such obedience as witnesses of truth of the ‘Jesus way’ of abundant life for all.
Spirit-empowered truth bearers
Our calling is to tell truth, stand for truth and defend truth. We are assured that God’s Spirit will gift us with words, silence and wisdom – all that we need. The vocation of truth-bearing releases us from deceits and distortions as we work for what is right and morally acceptable. Faith and faithfulness demand that truth must prevail, if we are to love God and love our neighbour. The Jesus way, truth and life, is an invitation to step out of comfort and fear zones into grace spaces. Can it be that Jesus knew there was only so much we can bear, and that is why he only told us enough of what we need to know?
We are not alone – relying on the Spirit
Reliance on the Spirit’s presence is at the heart of this calling. Holy Spirit is here, searching the depths of our hearts, praying in and through us when we are afraid, gifting us with words when we are lost for words, and pouring the love of God deep into our hearts, filling us with hope. We are freed to hear the whispers, and feel the stirrings, of God’s Spirit accompanying us.
Prayer
This can be used as a collect.
Come, Holy Spirit, make us messengers
of your good news of abundant life for all.
Gift us with energy, passion and boldness
so that, when we speak, we will do so in love, with graciousness, and in humility,
so that our words will bring your message of hope and faith.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our lungs, our souls, our lives
with your breath of courage and good news,
that we may always be open to your newness,
and follow where you lead us.
We pray in the name of Christ.
Amen.
Questions
- How does the Holy Spirit reveal 'truth' to you in your life, and in the ‘world’ around you?
- What 'truth' is the Spirit urging us to speak at this moment?
Action
Pentecost calls us to recognize the Spirit is alive and constantly active – right now. Look closer at the community beyond your church building. Where is the Spirit at work in your community/world? Where is God’s Spirit leading you to get involved?
Young People
Consider ways in which you find yourself pursuing ‘truth’ or standing up for ‘truth’ among your peers? What do you find most challenging? Reflect on moments when God’s Spirit led and gave you courage to speak and act?
Michael Jagessar facilitates the United Reformed Church’s work on racial justice and intercultural ministry.
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