Gathered into Many Places

Today, we read the same gospel lesson we read the Second Sunday of Easter. There we found the disciples, after seeing the tomb empty, hiding for “Fear of the Jews.” There, in their hiding place, Jesus visits them, gives them peace, shows them his hands and side, and bestows on them the Holy Spirit. We read that after having read Luke telling us that it was not until 50 days later that the disciples were given the Holy Spirit. There has been much finagling by scholars who have attempted to harmonize these two accounts. None of them adequately accounting for the difference. That just might be showing us a lot about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes when it chooses. When it comes, it comes and changes lives and situations. Luke shows us this. In Acts the spirit comes in different ways to different people and causes them to do different things. One thing is always the same, once you are filled with the Holy Spirit your life will never be the same. Because, it seems, once you have received the Holy Spirit it can lead you to many different places, people, and situations. All of which you are called on to touch and shape as the Spirit has touched and shaped you.

It is a good time for the Spirit to touch us for we live in different times. While many people are calling to return to normal, we know that will not happen. This experience will change our lives and relationships even after there is a vaccine and COVID-19 becomes manageable. I hear of this already. After working from home and not having to commute, many are seeing benefits of working from home. Some managers are saying that their staff seems to be more productive working from home – no one comes in tired from the commute or angry because of the bumper to bumper traffic. Even some of my clergy colleagues are seeing some advantages. Some have told me that more people are “tuning in” to their on-line Liturgies than they normally get on a Sunday. Now some of this may change and in-person contact is still very important in the business world and especially in worshiping God (where two or more are gathered) but our lives will be changed because of this global pandemic. And the Spirit will guide us through it.

Now, in this time (as every time) the Holy Spirit is calling you to live a new life, to put away the old sinful self, and to clothe yourself will the armor of love. Knowing that you are under the care of Jesus, let the Spirit guide you to your next encounter with the world. Then, as the disciples did, remind them of their sinful ways and Jesus’ forgiveness. Some may make fun of you accusing you of being drunk or even crazy. Remember that did not stop the disciples on that first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection. It should not stop you. You do not have to stand in front of them and preach, as Peter did, you may be called to act and speak in a different way. Paul reminds us of that when he tells us that we are the many members of one body. We each, like the varied members of the body, have different gifts and different ways to share the story of Jesus. All gifts, though, based in the love of Jesus. A love so great that he gave his life for us. So, in this time, as you are sheltered at home ponder the great sacrifice that Jesus gave for you. Ask how you may follow his footsteps and ask, “What is your sacrifice?”