| Acts chapter 2 Shavout was a Jewish Festival occurring on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. This moveable feast celebrated the important harvesting of wheat, and, spiritually commemorated the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was one of three pilgrim festivals during the course of the year, and Jews traveled from far and wide to observe the occasion in Jerusalem and in the Temple. Pentecost occurred on Shavout fifty days following the resurrection of Jesus, and so, on the Christian liturgical calendar, it, too, is a moveable feast. Pentecost is always observed fifty days following Easter Day, and so will be celebrated this year on May 31st. The disciples have been patiently waiting in Jerusalem as the Lord has instructed them, when, on Shavout there is a sound of a rush of violent wind and tongues of flame rest on each of the gathered disciples. They tell of the glory of God, and they are understood by Jews from all parts of the empire who have made pilgrimage to Jerusalem, each in their own language. These pilgrims are rightly puzzled. “Are they drunk?” some ask. “No. It’s only nine in the morning,” says practical Peter. Peter grabs the bull-horn and applies ancient Scripture to current circumstance. First, he quotes the prophet Joel, and then King David singing in Psalm 16 and elsewhere. The ancient texts hold the seed for understanding what is immediately happening. Because God is doing a new thing, because the arrival, ministry and resurrection of God’s Messiah Jesus has been accomplished, the Holy Spirit has been unleashed upon the world, and the promise of the Holy Spirit is meant not only for the Jews, but is for all peoples, every nation, excluding no tongue or language. “There is now neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female; for all are one in Christ Jesus,” St. Paul explains in Galatians 3: 28. A twentieth century movement within Christianity called ‘Pentecostalism’ emphasizes the third person of the Holy Trinity and claims all manner of dramatic phenomena, “lost” for a time to the Church, to now be manifesting in their strand of Christianity. The movement has swept the world and is especially strong in under-developed areas. An immediate experience of God is desired and emotionalism is often thought to be a manifestation of the human and divine connection. Pentecostals are especially keen on the phenomena of glossolalia, or ‘speaking in tongues.’ Glossolalia was not what happened on the Day of Pentecost. These disciples are specifically described as speaking intelligible languages in order to proclaim God’s new work and the mystery of Jesus Christ. Glossolalia does occur in the early Church. St. Paul doesn’t much care for the practice, but offers guidance as to how it might be permitted in public gatherings. To my way of thinking, glossolalia is a way in which the human spirit might pour itself out to God in ways that circumvent the need for over-thinking. It seems a perfectly valid form of ecstasy. Though I’m with Paul…glossolalia is generally disruptive if practiced among people who don’t quite know what’s going on! As the Torah was given, so now the Holy Spirit has been given…”the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” The promise is for you, Theophilus, Lover of God. God will draw nearer to you than your own breath, that in your life God might be manifest. Grace and peace, GFW+ April 23rd is the Feast of St. George, patron Saint of England, and again, prayers for the Queen have been requested: A Prayer for the Queen’s Majesty O Lord our heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords the only Ruler of princes, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; most heartily we beseech thee with thy favour to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth; and so replenish her with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that she may always incline to thy will and walk in thy way: endue her plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant her in health and wealth long to live; strengthen her that she may vanquish and overcome all her enemies; and finally, after this life, she may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Collect for the Queen Almighty and everlasting God, we are taught by thy most holy Word, that the hearts of kings are in thy rule and governance, and that though dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly wisdom: we humbly beseech thee so to dispose and rule the heart of Elizabeth thy Servant, our Queen and Governor, that, in all her thoughts, words, and works, she may ever seek thy honour and glory, and study to preserve thy people committed to her charge, in wealth, peace and godliness: grant this, O merciful Father, for thy dear Son’s sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Of a Saint “O Almighty God, who by your Holy Spirit has made us one with your saints in heaven and earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and may know ourselves surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this in communion with St. George, and for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.” BCP page 250 |
| St. Paul’s Anglican Church Calzada del Cardo, 6 Centro 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 415.121.3424 www.StPaulSMA.com |