by Rev. James A. Weathersby
The life of the Christian Church, like all living entities, has developmental markers. Those developmental markers are celebrated by observance of the Liturgical calendar; times of the year to celebrate the anniversaries of the church. The Day of Pentecost, 50 days after celebrating Easter, is a significant remembrance.
We find recorded in the New Testament Book of the Acts of the Apostles this experience in chapter 2, “’In our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (Vs.11-12). Luke wrote the Gospel accredited to his name, and he is the author of this second work and the Book of the Acts, is the continuation of His work through the lives of His followers. These Disciples/followers of Jesus Christ are called Apostles, because they were hand-picked and selected personally by Jesus to ‘carry on’ the work.
Pentecost coincides with a Jewish festival after Passover. There were gathered in Jerusalem devout men of the Jewish faith (Vs. 8-11) when they each heard a commotion—Galileans glorifying God, but in their own language! These men (apologies for the patriarchal system of the time), were wealthy enough to afford the travel expenses. Devout Jewish men always praised God, but in their own native language. Now, for the first time, they were able to listen together, at the same time.
There are always divisions and distractions that separate people. We use these to preserve our way of life, but the result is status quo. We stay separate and apart as peoples of the same planet. However, at Pentecost, people come together in a common faith, hear about the same God for us all, and participate in an event that unites everyone. This is the inauguration of the church of Jesus Christ. The old divisions are gone, and a new unity of purpose and mindset returns home throughout the Roman Empire. Their new leader is alive and empowers everyone to share the Gospel (good news); Jesus Christ is alive! Pentecost is welcoming new people, sharing experiences of the faith and perpetuating the stories of Gods’ love among people. The best of the church, today, is living out that Pentecost event in a divided World.
Pax
The Rev. James A. Weathersby M.Div., BCC was born in Chicago, product of a dedicated single mother and the Public-School system. He is a genetic Baptist and a historic Democrat; spirituality in his veins for generations. His family valued Education and the Black church; there are four generations of ministers in his family, serving as Pastors of congregations and Chaplains in Institutions. His Bachelors of Arts came from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois from the Reformed Churches of America tradition. His Masters of Divinity Degree (specialty in Pastoral Care and Counseling) came from the southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville Kentucky, from the Southern Baptist tradition. His professional career as a Chaplain includes serving populations in Hospitals, Hospice, both Men’s and Women’s Corrections (Death Row Chaplain) in several Midwestern states. His time in Maine has included Chaplaincy at a Youth Development Center, Pastor to an island congregation and lately, Chaplain (II) of the State Forensic and civil Psychiatric Center. He has been honored to be married for 27 years and enjoy writing, yoga, and reading.
Original watercolor by Valerie A. Clemons.
