Linda Burch: Member since 1972, Good Will Class, former Stephen Minister 

Acts 2:1-11 (NIV)
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

Reflection:
I am a walker. For the past few years, I have chosen to walk on streets and paths outside my immediate neighborhood. In mid-March, COVID-19 and safety concerns caused me to return to neighborhood walking. What a blessing!

Most mornings find me making my three-mile circuit between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. This routine has allowed me to mesh with the neighborhood rhythm. I see the same walkers about the same time most days. At first, we just waved or nodded, and eventually, we stopped to speak and soon exchanged names. I’ve come to know and observe all different people and ways of life existing in one, close space. 

I’ve met the woman at the end of my street who owns the bench where young mothers and nannies with strollers sit in the shade to rest and visit.

I’ve watched construction workers arrive each morning at the building site of a new home. Their work is now complete and the sale sign has just gone up.

I’ve watched as the toddler down the street has progressed from stroller rides to walking around the block while holding the hand of her patient nanny. What a wonderful relationship they seem to have. A smile and a wave from this precious little girl fills my heart with gladness.

In the spring, yard signs announced the presence of high school seniors and graduations. The yard signs now announce favorite candidates for the upcoming election. Walking has become of great value in my everyday life. Just imagine what you’d see if you walked with Jesus and the disciples! 

Jesus and his disciples spent three years walking together as he taught them. I imagine them greeting neighbors and making friends. They watched him feed the five thousand, cast out demons, drive the money changers from the temple, cure the sick, and raise the dead. They waited for him to save the world, but instead watched him be crucified. They were astounded by his resurrection.

Before his ascension, Jesus instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift God had promised. They waited and were given the Holy Spirit which allowed them to speak in languages that could be understood by those who spoke in other languages. The Holy Spirit enabled the church to flourish.

For my past six months, like the disciples, I too am walking, watching, and waiting- But I haven’t had to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon us, because that amazing gift has already been given to us. I have been praying for my neighbors, our country, and our world. I have been asking the Holy Spirit to give each of us language that will promote understanding and healing. Come Holy Spirit.

Prayer:
O God, please give us the willingness to wait for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we move through our days. Help us to weigh our words carefully before we speak and to consider their impact on others. Please fill us with grace. We ask this in your Son’s name. Amen.