Today’s Community Scripture – 5/13/2025

When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How come we’re hearing them talk in our various mother tongues? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene; Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes; Even Cretans and Arabs! “They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!” Their heads were spinning; they couldn’t make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: “What’s going on here?” Others joked, “They’re drunk on cheap wine.”

Acts 2:1–13 (MSG)

– Reflection:

I was mistaken about the disciples already having the Holy Spirit yesterday when they were choosing a replacement for Judas. They needed the 12th member to honor the prophecy properly. Now they have twelve again and are ready to go into the upper room and receive the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit came to all of them, it was not only the twelve, but all who were with them. So many that those who were outside were thought to be drunk because of the languages they spoke while all the non-believers watched. That must have been a powerful sight, and to be one of those who experienced it had to be truly amazing, because I remember my encounter with the Spirit. You gain a quiet confidence that you now know what needs to be done.

– Where do we go from here?

In my reflection, I stated that you have that positive direction you know you are going in. We are still human, though, and have to truly believe and begin that walk. Sometimes we see the path but still aren’t walking it. I want to see where this leads me, so I am walking my path; God wants you to walk your path too. I bet doing so will create some amazing work for the world and hopefully change it for the better. Having a direction is only the beginning; the next step is where the work starts—in the walking. Let’s get to it so we can reach our first milestone, trial, or blessing.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit and its power to set us correct and place us on our path. We know that we can’t see the end but do know where our arrow is pointing to get us to our destination. Our faith will moves us through any obstacles that will pop-up as we move through the work you have for us. In Jesus’ name we Pray. Amen.