When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 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 2:1-4
Each new day not only brings us new objects of anxiety, but also new objects of interest and “new mercies.” This Pentecost is a special one, like all other Pentecosts, like all days. At times, it seems easier to flagellate ourselves over failures to read the signs of the times (e.g., from being shocked by Brexit to again being shocked by Trump’s election) and become depressed, insular. In light of the United States’ pragmatic pullout from the Paris Agreement and other world-staged dramas, we’re somewhat refreshingly reminded, in sickness and in health, of the simple, amorphous breath that first creates the poetry of life, the same breath that gifts humanity speech and different tongues.
A force so great that it has been with us through every May 4 (I’m lame), yet invisible to the naked eye unless it’s blown into subzero air. Breath is part of what enables voice, expressions of human agency, and spiritual authority. This precious miracle of voice flows from its ventilatory enabler, which also happens to play a major part… [Read more…] about Post-Pentecost, Hope of Love Remains!