Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 1st June and for the week ahead:

ScriptureWhen the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:1-4)
ReflectionIt is difficult to get our heads around something as abstract as the coming of the Holy Spirit to those first disciples. Locked away in a room….and waiting. And waiting. When suddenly…. “Tongues of fire” appeared; and there was a rushing wind in the room, in the entire house! These things imply energy and power; movement and dynamism. At one and the same time the image of the fire is both communal and individual. All were filled with the Spirit, yet a tongue of fire fell on each one of them separately.God, through the Holy Spirit, recognises us as individuals. He gives each of us our own gifts. Together, though, we are more than the sum of our separate identities. (“Gestalt Theory”, if you care to look it up!) But….do we recognise these gifts given by God: in ourselves, or in each other? Do we use them; do we encourage them in others? May you experience the Holy Spirit – however He chooses to reveal Himself to you; may you be filled with God’s energy and go out and serve Him….for the good of all.

Revd David