The story of the first Christian Pentecost is full of evocative details, just waiting for a storyteller to draw them out. If you want the children to hear only what is explicitly on the page, better than a Children’s Sermon on Acts 2:1-21, you might want to read the text to them. I think, however, it […]
Monday Meditation: RCL Year A, Pentecost, John 7:37-39
On the day of Pentecost in Year A, the alternate Gospel reading is John 7:37-39. John 7:37-39 I’ve previously written on the primary Gospel reading for the day, John 20:19-23, when it was paired with the story of Jesus’ kind revelation to “doubting Thomas” (once in 2020, and once in 2019). This year, Pentecost happens […]
Monday Meditation: RCL Year C, Pentecost, John 14:8-17
John 14:8-17 is a slightly odd text for Pentecost — until the end it says very little about the coming of the Spirit. But as with all of John 13-17, it is theologically rich. John 14:8-17 It’s a great text on the Trinity and on the purpose of the Incarnation — plus, if you sneak […]
Monday Meditation: RCL Year B, Pentecost, John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15 As with almost any text in John, the Gospel text for Pentecost (John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15) is evocative, fascinating, and confusing by turns. Don’t expect me to clear it all up and tie it with a bow for you. These Monday Meditations are just my journey into next Sunday’s Gospel. I hope you’ll […]
Is Pentecost “The Birthday of the Church”? (Heidelberg Catechism, Q54)
Here’s a question for you: How many of you have heard or preached a Pentecost sermon proclaiming it “the birthday of the Church”? That seems to be the understanding today among Christians. What really happened in Acts chapter 2? Was it “the first Pentecost”? No. Jews from around the world were gathered in Jerusalem to […]