Pentecost

Today is Pentecost Sunday, when the Spirit was given to the Church, poured out on all the saints!

The Jewish people had gathered in Jerusalem for the Pentecost festival, the firstfruits of the harvest. The disciples and those with them were in the upper room, praying and waiting for the promised Spirit.

The Holy Spirit came on them, empowering them to speak in other languages (that they didn't previously know) to tell the glorious Gospel to those gathered in the city. The separation of people through languages (at the Tower of Babel) was being reversed!

So now, the Holy Spirit continues to work in us today, and seeks to grow his fruit in us - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

But some people can be too interested in the Holy Spirit, running after gifts, particularly that of speaking in tongues, as if it is the be-all and end-all of the faith. The Holy Spirit is best described as a best man, who is there to assist and point towards the Bridegroom, who is Jesus. As we focus on Jesus, the Spirit works through us.