Church of Dormition, Jerusalem
Acts of Apostles 2:1-11
So just a little background! In today’s first reading, the Jews from all over the world are gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. We are celebrating today the Feast of Pentecost. But they are not the same! For the Jews, there are 3 feasts know as pilgrimage feasts, days when they travel to the Temple in Jerusalem. One is Sukkoth, a fall harvest festival also known as Feast of Booths/Tents, remembering when the Israelites traveled in the desert. Another is the Feast of Passover, celebrating leaving their lives as slaves in Egypt. And then 50 days after Passover, Pentecost! Also known as Shavuoth, it is a spring harvest festival celebrating God giving the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai.
So the Jewish Feast of Pentecost 50 days after Passover. And the Christian Feast of Pentecost, celebrating the coming down of the Holy Spirit on the disciples, 50 days after Easter!
So now let me tell you a little story!
A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups, and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy. “Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.”
“Well,” said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat of the back of his neck, “these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.” The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I’ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?”
“Sure,” said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. “Here Dolly!” he called. Out from the doghouse and down ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.
Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up…. “I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt.
The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.” With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.
Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “You see sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.”
Wow! With all that he has to deal with, with all the activities that his illness prevents him from enjoying, look at the energy and enthusiasm that little boy displays! So much joy and compassion that he goes out of his way to help another living being have a good life! He sees beyond his own limitations and sees only possibilities!
Quite a contrast with the Apostles in the first reading! They are all gathered together in one place. Think about that! They are still in hiding! 50 days after Easter and they are still huddled together in one room! The doors are locked out of their fear of being arrested and put to death, like Jesus. Even though He has appeared to them a number of times, they are still living in fear, afraid to go out into the world.
And then all that changes! A great wind! Tongues of fire! The pouring down of the Holy Spirit! And they leave the safety of that room, go out into the world and begin to spread the Word! They begin the Mission! Like that little boy, they look past their own shortcomings, their own limitations! By the power of the Holy Spirit, they become energized! Filled with the Spirit, they speak in tongues.
The question for us today is – what energizes us! Is it our family? Our job or career? The birth of our first child or grandchild? Our favorite hobby or sport? What is it that enlivens us and gives us that ‘energizer bunny’ burst of enthusiasm?
What about our faith? By our own Baptism and confirmation, we have all been filled with the Holy Spirit! That same Spirit that energized the disciples on this Feast of Pentecost! Are we still huddled together in that little room, fearful of the world, afraid and lacking in hope and faith?
Or does your faith energize you? Does it fill you with courage and hope to go out into the world and share the message of the Gospel? Are we like that little boy who sees beyond his own limitations and, in compassion and faith, goes out of his way to tend to the needs of others?
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
