Pentecost

Today is Pentecost. This day in the church year falls seven Sundays after Easter and marks the return to "ordinary time," which simply means that Advent, Lent and Easter are over... and the real work of the Church begins. In fact, it is usually celebrated as the "birthday" of the Church.

Read Acts 2:1-21 to refresh your memory on Pentecost. It tells the story of the Disciples gathered together when the Holy Spirit descended on them as a wind and flames appeared over their heads. Each began to speak in different languages and those in Jerusalem from all over the world could hear the Gospel in their native tongue.

Pretty exciting stuff. I always liked this day. I like imagining the disciples together feeling a bit out of sorts after the death of Jesus, not totally clear on their next step... then WHOOSH! The Holy Spirit was among them and indicated its presence with tongues of fire above their heads.

Today, the church is decorated in red to recall the fire of the Holy Spirit. But you can join the celebration. Wear red today, fix red firey foods for dinner, re-read the story. Marking the special days in the church year in our own lives is a tremendous way to get in touch with God.