Pentecost Sunday

Today was Pentecost Sunday: often called "the Church's Birthday"   Following Ascension last week, God gave us his Holy Spirit, and the work on earth continued!  The texts at St Mary in-the-Park were: Acts 2 1-21, Psalm 104 26-37, 1 Corinthians 12 3-13, and John's Gospel 20 19-23.

In Acts, the dramatic images of wind and fire are followed by the disciples speaking "in tongues" that were understood in any language-  rather pertinent today, as some folk may need reminding that, whilst the earthly Jesus didn't speak to people in English, Latin or even modern Hebrew,   the divisions of languages are irrelevant to the Spirit, who speaks in words that are understood by all! 

Psalm 104 celebrates God as creator and sustainer of the world. Everything depends on God’s breath - creation itself is continually upheld by God.

I sometimes struggle with some of Paul's teachings, but today he is really clear.  He reminds the church that the Spirit gives different gifts to different people: wisdom, healing, prophecy, service, leadership, and more. Diversity is not a problem but part of God’s design.  Paul uses the image of the body: many parts, but one body in Christ. The Spirit creates unity without erasing individuality.  (Shout out to Dr Will Whittaker whose writing on this point served as an inspiration- he was writing about the image of the church as body to explore issues around worship music. You can read his article here.) 

In John’s Gospel, Pentecost happens quietly and intimately on Easter evening itself. The risen Jesus comes to fearful disciples behind locked doors and says, “Peace be with you.” Then he breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  It has echoes of  Genesis, where God breathes life into Adam. This is new creation: the disciples receive not only peace, but a mission of forgiveness and reconciliation. 

And so- a rosary!

An Anglican Rosary for Pentecost

The Cross 

In the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, 

and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit, 

fill the hearts of your faithful people 

and kindle in us the fire of your love.

The Invitatory Bead

Lord Jesus Christ,
you breathed peace upon your disciples:
breathe your Spirit upon us now.

First Cruciform Bead:

Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, 

and renew the face of the earth.

First Weeks' Beads:  (The Coming of the Spirit )

Holy Spirit, wind of God, move among us. 

Holy Spirit, fire of God, kindle our hearts. 

Holy Spirit, breath of God, renew your Church. 

Repeat for each bead of the week.

Second Cruciform Bead:

Open our lips to speak your truth 

in words of courage and grace.

Second Weeks' Beads: (The Gift of Many Voices)

Spirit of truth, speak through young and old. 

Spirit of wisdom, speak through every nation. 

Spirit of unity, make us one in Christ. 

Repeat for each bead of the week.

Third Cruciform Bead:

 
Gather your people into one body, 

though many gifts and many voices.

Third Weeks' Beads: (The Body of Christ)

One Spirit, many gifts.

One Lord, many servants. 

One body, gathered in love. 

Repeat for each bead of the week

Fourth Cruciform Bead:

Fill us with your peace and forgiveness, 

that we may serve your kingdom in joy.

Fourth Weeks' Beads: (Peace and mission) 

Risen Lord Jesus, 

enter the rooms we keep locked in fear. 

Speak your peace into our hearts. 

Send us out in the power of your Spirit. 

Repeat for each bead of the week

Returning to the Invitatory Bead:

Breathe upon us, Spirit of God;
renew us in love, courage, and hope.

The Cross — Closing Prayers 

Almighty God, 

who on the day of Pentecost 

sent your Holy Spirit upon the Church: 

pour out that same Spirit upon us, 

that we may live the Gospel with joy, 

serve the world with compassion, 

and worship you with thankful hearts; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

May the Spirit of truth guide us, 

the fire of love inspire us, 

and the peace of Christ keep us always. 

Amen.