Spirit-filled, Spirit-Sent! May 31, 2009 Pentecost Sunday

In today's story from the book of Acts, we see some ordinary people who are likewise transformed into people who suddenly have more than their previous human abilities. Their DNA isn't altered by a chance encounter, but the rushing wind and the tongues of fire transform their lives just as powerfully and just as dramatically. Let's take a closer look at just what happened that day and what meaning it might have for our lives.

The occasion was the Feast of Pentecost, celebrated some 50 days after Passover. It was a celebration of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses as well as the concluding festival of the grain harvest and devout Jews from every nation journeyed to Jerusalem, bringing offerings in thanksgiving for the abundant blessings they had received. But, on this particular Pentecost, there were some Jews in Jerusalem who, rather than heading to the temple, sat in fear behind locked doors. Peter, James, John, Mary, Salomé, and the others had gone to Jerusalem, just as Jesus had instructed them. But despite all they had seen, all they had experienced, all they had been promised, they were afraid. It had, after all, only been a few short weeks since the religious and political establishment in this very city had crucified Jesus.

Suddenly in the midst of these frightened men and women a mighty wind blew and tongues of fire danced. Then Spirit-filled and Spirit-sent they stepped beyond the walls their fear had erected and walked boldly into a future that only God could see. Filled with the Spirit's power they proclaimed the power God's love in ways that each person could see and understand and know. It was indeed a miracle. It is also a vision, a radical vision of God's beloved community where all people -all people- are welcomed, loved, accepted, and affirmed as they are and then step by step, choice by choice are empowered to live their way into the fullness of  God's dream for their life.

As Spider-Man's story unfolds, Peter Parker must decide what he will do with his newly acquired powers. At first, he decides to use these powers to make money and impress the girl of his dreams. He appears in a wrestling match and, armed with his new spider strength, wins the match in record time. But the crooked wrestling match promoter refuses to award Peter the prize money. Moments later, that promoter is robbed and Peter has the opportunity to catch the thief, but because he wants revenge Peter refuses to stop him. Tragically, the thief kills Peter's Uncle Ben during a carjacking as he flees the scene of the crime.

Spider-Man eventually apprehends the burglar but Peter is plagued with guilt for not acting when he could have. Then he remembers something Uncle Ben once told him: "With great power, comes great responsibility." Peter takes this to heart and decides to use his extraordinary powers to fight crime and protect the city.

Whether or not we are aware of it, claim it or acknowledge it, it is true that deep within each person there is a spark of Divine Light ready to ignite our lives with the passion and power of Divine Love and Grace. We are created in the image of God, created and called to be Divine Love and Grace, Compassion and Mercy, Hope and Joy alive in our time and our place. Like Peter Parker and those first disciples, we have been given great power, but with great power comes great responsibility!

As I was thinking about Pentecost, I wondered what might have happened if, despite the mighty wind and the dancing tongues of fire, those first disciples had stayed behind closed doors and kept what they experienced to themselves.

Once upon a Pentecost, not so long ago, three congregations experienced the empowering wind and the transforming fire.

At one time in their history each of these congregations had been a vital and lively place where people felt the Spirit as they walked through they doors. But somehow, each community had lost that spirit, their numbers had begun to shrink and they wondered how much longer they could go on.

But on this particular Pentecost, as each pastor began to preach a hurricane-force wind burst through the windows and swirled around the sanctuary. And in the midst of the wind appeared tongues like fire that reached down from the ceiling towards the head of every person in the room.

"What can be happening?" the people cried out with alarm.

"Don't be afraid," each Pastor said, with a voice filled with awe. "It's Pentecost, and the Spirit's fire is falling again!"

Indeed it was the Holy Spirit moving among them, reminding them of the day Christ's church was born and as the fiery tongues reached each person, they knew they existed to embody Christ's love both to their community and to the world. They knew the Spirit could empower them to show that love. They knew the Spirit could show them the direction they needed to go and the work they needed to do. Exciting visions of a vital ministry stretched before their eyes as they saw the way the Spirit could work through them to bring the light and love of Christ to everyone they met.

But in First Church, in the midst of their excitement, they drew back. "I just don't know if everyone will want to do this kind of work," one worshiper observed.

"Yes," another agreed. "It's a nice idea, but I'm not really sure we can fit it into our schedules."

One by one they agreed that the path ahead was impossible to tread. So they filed out of the sanctuary, shook Pastor Johnson's hand, and said, "Nice sermon, pastor."

Five years later the congregation closed its doors for the very last time.

Meanwhile in Second Church they too began to reconsider what they had experienced; "This is a really good idea," one member observed.

"Yes," another agreed. "Why don't we make sure the Pastor Meyer does this work? We can even hire some more staff to work with her."

All agreed that they'd direct the pastor to get busy with the work that needed to be done. "Wonderful service" they said to Pastor Meyer as they left. "We can hardly wait to tell you all the things we think God wants you to do."

As the years went by, the clarity and vision they'd briefly observed became more and more obscured by the day-to-day tasks of keeping their organization functioning. More and more worshipers faded away and after a final worship service, they closed their doors, said good-bye and went on their separate ways.

In Third Church, however, the people accepted the Spirit's call to be about Christ's work. Spirit-filled and Spirit-sent those who were able began to reach out to those all were in need. Those who were older and could no longer labor began the vital task of prayer for their shared ministry. In words and in deeds each one began to share with all they met in the language of love; a language all could know and understand.

New life abounded among them. Fiery worship filled with the Spirit's power became their norm and kept them focused on their call. Not one of them knew how long their congregation would exist; indeed, not one of them even cared -- for they were about God's work, living each day in the burning flame of the Spirit's breath.

Today is Pentecost. Will it be a day of transformation or will it be just another nice worship celebration? The answer is up to you! Amen.