God’s life-changing message

Ever since I was a child, I have been intrigued by the events of Pentecost day.

How was it possible for so many people to hear the message in their own language? How could the disciples even make themselves heard in such a crowd?

But the mechanics are not important, I realize. After all, what does it matter how it happened?

The key point is that through no power of their own, the disciples’ were able to speak to a crowd of people from all over the ancient world. And through no power of their own, the people gathered were able to understand the disciples’ words.

As the Bible teaches us, God always knows how to speak in ways that people will understand. Through eh Scriptures, through loving relationships, through the eucharis, through prayer of all kinds, through beauty, even through silence, God speaks to us. God’s people, whether they realize it or not, are enfolded in a life-changing, life-giving message of hope.

All we need to do is be present and to open our ears and our hearts. Then, like the disciples gathered in the upper room found out, Jesus will appear among us, bringing us God’s peace and the power of the Holy Spirit. Filled with the Spirit, we can unlock the doors that imprison us and break free to share the Good News with everyone we meet.